Apple has issued alerts to iPhone users across 98 countries, including India, warning of potential “mercenary spyware attacks” that could compromise their devices. This marks the second such notification campaign by the tech giant in 2024, following a similar alert sent to users in 92 nations in April.
The warning, sent to specific users, states: “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.” The company emphasizes the seriousness of these threats, noting that they likely target individuals based on their identity or occupation.
Apple has been sending these threat notifications to users in over 150 countries since 2021. The company describes these incidents as “exceptionally rare and vastly more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity or consumer malware,” drawing comparisons to attacks using the notorious Pegasus spyware developed by NSO Group.
Notably, this time Apple used the term “mercenary spyware attacks” instead of the previously used “state-sponsored”. The company remains cautious about revealing its threat detection methods, citing concerns that additional details could aid attackers in evading future detection.
Apple relies solely on internal threat intelligence and investigations to identify these attacks. The tech giant strongly advises affected users to take immediate action to secure their devices and accounts.