Apple issues new spyware alerts to users in 90+ countries
▼ Summary
– Apple sent spyware attack warnings to users in 110 countries, bringing the total number of countries alerted over recent years to over 150.
– A year ago, Apple warned users in 100 countries, and later alerted more than a dozen Iranian cyberattack victims before the war with Israel.
– Apple published a new support article explaining threat notifications, how they are delivered, and recommended user actions, including enabling Lockdown Mode.
– Apple suggests notified users seek help from Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline, which offers 24/7 emergency security assistance but lacks details on why notifications were sent.
– Apple advises all users on general security practices, such as updating software, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and avoiding links from unknown senders.
Apple has issued fresh threat alerts to users across 110 countries, warning that they may be the targets of sophisticated mercenary spyware. The company confirmed the latest wave of notifications to TechCrunch, marking another expansion in its ongoing efforts to flag potential digital espionage.
This new round pushes the total number of nations where Apple has delivered such warnings over the past several years past the 150 mark. Just over a year ago, for instance, the company alerted iPhone users in 100 countries about similar targeting, and it later revealed that it had notified more than a dozen victims of cyberattacks in Iran ahead of the conflict with Israel.
Alongside the notifications, Apple published a new support document titled “About Apple threat notifications and protecting against mercenary spyware.” The page breaks down what these alerts mean, how they reach users, and the recommended steps for anyone who receives one.
According to Apple, the threat notifications come with guidance to help secure accounts and devices, including enabling Lockdown Mode. The company strongly encourages recipients to seek expert assistance, pointing to the rapid-response emergency security help offered by the Digital Security Helpline at the nonprofit Access Now. That helpline operates around the clock, every day of the week, and while outside organizations have no insight into why Apple sent a particular alert, they can provide tailored security advice to those affected.
For the broader user base, Apple notes that most people “will never be targeted by mercenary spyware,” but it still recommends a set of best practices to shore up device security. These include updating to the latest software for essential security fixes, protecting devices with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID, and enabling two-factor authentication with a strong password for the Apple Account. Additional tips cover turning on Stolen Device Protection, downloading apps only from the App Store, using strong and unique passwords online with passkeys where available, and avoiding links or attachments from unknown senders.
TechCrunch’s full breakdown of the situation is available online, as is Apple’s new support page for anyone seeking more detail.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
