Apple has issued alerts to iPhone users across 92 countries regarding potential targeting by “mercenary spyware” without specifying the attackers or the locations of affected users.
Apple’s message, sent at 12 pm PT on April 10, underscores the gravity of the situation, assuring recipients of its “high confidence” in detecting these attacks. Despite the inherent challenges in absolute certainty, Apple has communicated to users the necessity of taking these warnings seriously.
To date, notifications have been dispatched to individuals in 150 countries, encompassing threats from sophisticated spyware like Pegasus by NSO Group, without attributing them to particular entities or regions.
In response to these threats, Apple recommends activating Lockdown Mode, upgrading to iOS 17.4.1, and ensuring updates for related devices and applications. This advice aims to mitigate spyware risks by limiting potential attack vectors. Additionally, the company suggests consulting with specialists if users find themselves targeted by these malicious efforts.
Moreover, Apple has updated its support documentation on threat notifications. This update delineates the procedure following identifying activities indicative of a mercenary spyware assault, including the dispatch of email and iMessage alerts linked to the user’s Apple ID.
The company emphasizes the protective measures within its notification system, notably the avoidance of clickable links and the encouragement to users to independently navigate to provided addresses, thereby guarding against deceptive communications masquerading as official Apple correspondence.
