Apple alerts iPhone users about spyware attacks in 98 countries

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Earlier in April, Apple sent out threat alerts to iPhone users in 92 countries. The notifications warned the users that their iPhones may have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. Now, the Cupertino tech giant has sent a new round of similar threat warnings to more iPhone users in 98 countries.

iPhone users in 98 countries are alerted that they may have been targeted by spyware attacks

According to a report by TechCrunch, Apple has notified iPhone users in 98 countries that their devices may have been compromised by mercenary spyware attacks. The spyware attack in question is reportedly trying to compromise iPhones to steal personal information. The report suggests that Indian iPhone users were among the first to receive the warnings associated with the attacks.

“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-,” mention the brand’s warning alerts.

“This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it’s never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously,” the company added in the notifications.

Apple’s communication to the affected users clearly suggests that these are serious mercenary spyware attacks. The company hasn’t disclosed the identities of the attackers or the exact countries where iPhone users are being warned.

Apple has been sending similar threat warnings since 2021

Apple has been regularly releasing similar threat notifications to affected iPhone users since 2021. So far, the company has sent these alerts to users in more than 150 countries across the world. As per Apple, these attacks “cost millions of dollars and are individually deployed against a very small number of people, but the targeting is ongoing and global”.

Apple also sent an identical notification to a handful of journalists and politicians in October last year. Notably, Apple’s spyware alerts are released at a time when many countries are preparing for elections. In recent months, many other tech companies have also cautioned their users about similar threats on their electronic devices.

Previously, Apple used to describe these incidents as “state-sponsored attacks”. However, the company has opted for the term “mercenary spyware attacks” since last year.

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