Apple sounds alarm on 'mercenary spyware' attack targeting iPhone owners
Apple has issued a warning to iPhone users across 92 countries about potential targeted spyware attacks. The warning message read, "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-." The notifications were sent out on Wednesday. However, the tech giant did not disclose the identities of the potential attackers or specify which countries' users were alerted.
Apple highlights likely targets and urges user vigilance
Apple emphasized that these spyware attacks are likely directed at individuals based on their identity or profession. Despite the inherent difficulties in identifying such threats, the company expressed high confidence in its warning. Apple urged users to take this alert seriously, emphasizing the potential risk associated with these targeted attacks. The company has a history of issuing such alerts, having notified users in over 150 countries since last year.
Apple categorizes spyware attacks as rare and advanced
Apple categorizes spyware attacks from mercenaries, such as those using Pegasus from the NSO Group, as extremely rare and far more advanced than typical cybercriminal activity or consumer malware. These attacks are reportedly costly, running into millions of dollars, and are individually launched against a very small number of people. "Mercenary spyware attacks, such as those using Pegasus from the NSO Group, are exceptionally rare and vastly more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity or consumer malware," stated Apple's threat notification.
Apple's internal investigations detect spyware threats
To identify such sophisticated threats, Apple relies solely on its internal threat-intelligence information and investigations. The company stated, "Although our investigations can never achieve absolute certainty, Apple threat notifications are high-confidence alerts that a user has been individually targeted by a mercenary spyware attack and should be taken very seriously." This statement underscores the seriousness of these alerts and the importance of user vigilance in response to them.
Apple updates support page amidst spyware threats
In response to these threats, Apple updated its support page on Wednesday with advice for users who may have been targeted. However, the company refrained from providing additional details about the spyware to prevent attackers from modifying their tactics to evade future detection. These warnings from Apple coincide with a surge in global elections, but the company did not comment on the timing of its alerts.
