‘Unprecedented’ number of Apple users received recent spyware alert, say investigators
Apple has issued an unprecedented number of threat notifications to users in 110 countries, warning of potential mercenary spyware attacks. Cybersecurity experts report a significant surge in users seeking assistance following these alerts.
Why it matters
The increase in spyware targeting suggests a growing threat to digital privacy and security for individuals globally, particularly those targeted by state-sponsored actors.
An unprecedented number of Apple customers have reported receiving a recent threat notification alerting them to suspected spyware attacks targeting their devices, according to experts who investigate these types of incidents.
Several people publicly and privately reported receiving Apple’s spyware alerts over the weekend, after Apple sent out a new wave of notifications on Friday alerting customers in 110 countries that they had been targeted with powerful spyware.
From time to time, the technology giant sends these types of alerts in batches to customers that it believes have been either targeted or compromised with malware normally used by governments, which the company refers to as “ mercenary spyware .” In the last few years, Apple says it has alerted people in more than 150 countries.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in