Apple Issues Serious Warning to iPhone Users

Apple has issued warnings to iPhone owners in 92 different countries that they have been targeted by a «mercenary spyware attack.» Apple explained that these attacks are «vastly more complex» than standard malware or cybercriminal activity.

Most gaming fans are probably familiar with cyberattacks. Sophisticated ones can extend beyond individuals and target whole companies, like the one that compromised Nvidia in 2022. These attacks, which are sometimes carried out by state-sponsored groups, usually go after information related to a company's technology or internal systems, while others aim to gather information on employees or customers. It seems that one of the most recent cyberattacks may have targeted specific individuals.

Some iPhone users received a message in April 2024 that attackers attempted to «remotely compromise [their] iPhone.» Apple further explained that the attack is likely targeting specific iPhone owners because of «who you are or what you do.» An Apple support page covering this issue explains that activists, politicians, journalists, and diplomats are often the subjects of these attacks, presumably to gain valuable information that can be used to maintain control or squash dissent in various countries. Apple has sent over 150 of these warnings since 2021; however, this time Apple chose to replace its usual warning of a «state-sponsored spyware attack» with a «mercenary spyware attack,» possibly due to recent complaints from certain governments that Apple was indirectly and unfairly painting them in a negative light, per a Reuters source.

It's unclear how many people received Apple's warning message, but it was sent to individuals across 92 different nations. Apparently, the recent attack aimed to spy on user and location data. Apple recommends affected users to seek professional help, such as the 24/7 Digital Security Helpline provided by the non-profit Access Now. These breaches have become increasingly common in recent years due to new software