Apple has issued a widespread alert to iPhone users across 92 countries, cautioning them about potential threats from mercenary spyware attacks. These alerts, sent at 12pm Pacific Time Wednesday, underline the seriousness of the situation without disclosing the identities of the attackers or the specific countries affected. The company emphasizes the targeted nature of these attacks, suggesting that individuals may be singled out based on their identity or activities.
Since 2021, Apple has been consistently sending such notifications, marking over 150 countries as recipients of these warnings. Notably, in October last year, similar alerts were dispatched to journalists and politicians in India, coinciding with Amnesty International’s report of Pegasus spyware detection on iPhones belonging to prominent figures. This latest wave of alerts arrives amidst global concerns over state-sponsored interference in elections, although Apple’s notifications refrain from commenting on the timing or specific motivations behind the attacks.
While Apple previously referred to the attackers as “state-sponsored,” they have now adopted the term “mercenary spyware attacks,” highlighting the sophistication and rarity of such threats. The company relies on internal threat intelligence and investigations to identify these attacks, emphasizing the seriousness of the alerts and urging affected users to take appropriate action. However, Apple acknowledges limitations in providing detailed information about the threats to prevent attackers from adapting their tactics to evade detection in the future.
