Apple has issued an alert to users in several countries, warning them of a potential mercenary spyware attack. This is the second such alert from the tech giant this year. The latest threat notification has been sent to iPhone owners in 98 countries, an increase from the 92 countries notified in April. Apple has urged users to take additional steps to protect their devices.
In the recent round of notifications, iPhone users across 98 countries have been warned about possible spyware attacks. Since 2021, Apple has been informing users in over 150 countries about potential mercenary spyware attacks, according to an updated company support document.
“Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-,” states the company’s email. A similar message was sent in April. Apple has not attributed the attack to any specific threat actor or provided a list of the regions where the notifications were issued.
The alert assures users that Apple has “high confidence” in the warning, despite acknowledging that “absolute certainty” is impossible when detecting such spyware attacks. The company has asked users to take the warning seriously.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Users who have received the notification are advised to update to the latest version of Apple’s iPhone operating system, iOS 17.5.1, and to update messaging and cloud-based applications on their smartphones. Additionally, Apple recommends enabling the built-in Lockdown Mode, which reduces the attack surface of several phone features, albeit at the expense of some functionality.
Apple’s support document also warns users that its threat notification emails do not include clickable links and never ask for Apple ID credentials, request app installations, or prompt file downloads. This measure is designed to protect users from fraudulent emails mimicking official Apple communications.
Also read | Why Gujarat’s use of tech to verify forest rights claims is concerning