[ad_1]
Apple sent iPhone security alerts to people in 92 countries on Wednesday, warning that their iPhones had been remotely targeted in a mercenary spyware attack.
“Apple has detected that you have been targeted by a mercenary spyware attack,” the company said in a threat notification email seen by CNET. “This attack will likely target you specifically because of who you are or what you do.”
Read more: Apple Lock Mode: Why there’s a new level of security for your iPhone
Mercenary attacks stand out, compared to cybercrime or consumer malware, because of their rarity and sophistication. These carefully coordinated attacks cost millions of dollars and focus on a small number of people. The company said in the email that the targeting is ongoing and global.
“If your device is compromised through a targeted attack with mercenary spyware, the attacker may be able to gain remote access to your sensitive data, communications, or even your camera and microphone,” the threat notification email said.
Read more: The best iPhone of 2024
The news was first reported by the Indian Business Journal Economic timesShe said that India is one of the affected countries. It is unclear whether iPhone owners in the United States were targeted; An Apple spokesperson had no comment beyond what was shared in the notification email.
On the help page published on Wednesdaythe company provided advice on what to do if you receive a threat notification.
“We strongly suggest you turn to experts for assistance, such as the rapid response emergency security assistance provided by the nonprofit Access Now digital security helpline,” Apple said. “Recipients of Apple Threat Notifications can call the Digital Security Helpline 24/7 Through their website“.
The company also cited Pegasus, a sophisticated spyware developed by Israel’s NSO Group, when notifying people of the latest mercenary attack.
Read more: iOS Lockdown mode can protect you from cyberattacks. How to use it
In November 2021, Apple filed a lawsuit against NSO Group to hold it accountable for monitoring and targeting Apple users using Pegasus software. This spyware has previously infected victims’ devices, including iPhones, without alerting the user. Since 2016, electronic monitoring bodies have uncovered several cases of Pegasus being used by various entities to monitor journalists, lawyers, political dissidents and human rights activists.
Read more: How to check if your iPhone has NSO Group software
Watch this: What Google Gemini AI could look like on iPhone
I took over 600 photos with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. See favorites
See all photos
[ad_2]
Source link
