Apple sends threat notifications to individuals in 92 countries, warning that their iPhones may have been targeted by remote 'mercenary spyware attacks'
On April 10, 2024, Apple sent out a warning to iPhone users in 92 countries that they 'may have been targeted by a mercenary spyware attack.'
About Apple threat notifications and protecting against mercenary spyware - Apple Support (IN)
A college student who actually received the warning posted the contents of the warning on Reddit . According to the warning, 'Apple has detected a mercenary spyware attack targeting your iPhone,' and it states that the warning was sent to users in 92 countries on April 10, 2024.
Apple has been detecting and warning users of spyware attacks since 2021, and has sent warnings to users in over 150 countries in total. Previously, these attacks were described as 'state-sponsored spyware attacks,' but since private companies such as
Mercenary spyware attacks are difficult to detect and prevent because they target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices in complex attacks carried out quickly and at the expense of millions of yen. While Apple's detection of attacks relies solely on internal threat intelligence information and research and does not achieve absolute certainty, Apple's threat notification serves as a high-confidence warning that you, as an individual, have been targeted by a mercenary spyware attack. The vast majority of users will not be targeted by a mercenary spyware attack, but if you do receive a warning, you should take it seriously.
The alerts will be sent via email and iMessage, and will also appear at the top of the page when you sign in to appleid.apple.com . Apple strongly encourages users to seek professional help, and users who receive a threat notification can contact the nonprofit Access Now Digital Security Helpline 24/7.
In addition, Apple has listed the following as guidelines that all users should follow:
- Update your devices to the latest software to apply the latest security fixes
- Protect your device with a passcode
Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for your Apple ID
- Install the app via the App Store
- Use strong and unique passwords for online services
- Do not click on links or attachments sent by people you do not know.
If you haven't received this alert but have reason to believe you're being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack, you can protect your device by using Lockdown Mode.
About Lockdown Mode - Apple Support (Japan)
https://support.apple.com/ja-jp/105120
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in Security, Posted by log1d_ts