Apple on Wednesday sent iPhone security alerts to people in 92 countries warning that their iPhones were being remotely targeted in a paid spyware attack.
“Apple has detected that you have been exposed to a paid spyware attack,” the company said in a threat notification email seen by CNET. “This attack likely targets you because of who you are or what you do.”
Read more: Apple’s lock mode: why there is a new level of security for the iPhone?
Compared to cybercrimes or consumer malware, mercenary attacks are rare and sophisticated. These carefully orchestrated attacks cost millions of dollars and target a small number of people. The targeting is ongoing and global, the company said in an email.
“If your device is compromised by a targeted spyware attack, an attacker can remotely access your sensitive data, communications, and even your camera and microphone,” the threat notification email said.
Read more: The best iPhone for 2024
The news was first reported by an Indian business publication The Economic Times, said India is one of the affected countries. It’s unclear if iPhone owners in the US are being targeted; An Apple spokesperson had no further comment beyond what was shared in the notification email.
In a help page posted on WednesdayThe company has provided advice on what to do if you receive a threat notification.
“We strongly encourage you to seek expert help, such as the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the nonprofit organization Access Now,” Apple said. “Apple threat notification recipients can contact the Digital Security Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. through its website.”
The company also cited Pegasus, a sophisticated spyware developed by Israel’s NSO group, when warning people about the latest mercenary attack.
Read more: iOS lock mode can protect you from cyber attacks. How to use it
In November 2021, Apple sued NSO Group for allegedly tracking and targeting Apple users using Pegasus. This spyware has previously infected victims’ devices, including iPhones, without warning the user. Since 2016, cyberwatchers have uncovered several cases of Pegasus being used by various agencies to track journalists, lawyers, political dissidents and human rights activists.
Read more: How to check for NSO Group App on iPhone
Check this out: Here’s what Google Gemini AI might look like on iPhone
I took over 600 photos with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Check out my favorites
See all pictures