Apple Warns Users in 110 Countries of Mercenary Spyware Targeting

Apple has issued a fresh batch of threat notifications to customers in 110 countries, warning that they may be targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. This brings the total number of countries where Apple has sent such alerts to over 150 since the program began in late 2021.

In a statement shared with TechCrunch, Apple described mercenary spyware attacks as among the most advanced digital threats, noting their extreme cost, sophistication, and worldwide nature. The company does not attribute these attacks to specific actors or regions, as doing so could help attackers refine their methods.

The notifications are sent to individuals who may be targeted due to their profession or activities, such as journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. Apple emphasizes that these are high-confidence alerts and urges recipients to take them seriously.

Users are notified through three channels: an alert on their iPhone’s Lock Screen and in Settings, an email from threat-notifications@email.apple.com, and a banner on their Apple Account page after signing in.

Apple advises users to update devices, secure them with passcodes or biometrics, enable two-factor authentication, turn on Stolen Device Protection, install apps only from trusted sources, enable Lockdown Mode, and avoid opening links or attachments from unknown senders.