Apple has recently issued warnings to iPhone users worldwide about highly targeted spyware attacks, specifically “mercenary spyware,” which are increasingly targeting high-profile individuals such as journalists and activists. These warnings, sent to over 100 countries, are part of Apple’s official threat notification system designed to inform users of significant cybersecurity risks involving sophisticated spyware campaigns. Apple confirmed that this round of notifications was sent to over 150 countries in total.
The targeted spyware attacks are often carried out by private companies that develop surveillance tools and sell them to governments. These tools are designed to selectively target individuals of interest due to their professions, affiliations, or activities, such as journalists or activists. According to Apple, these attacks are highly sophisticated, expensive to deploy, and are typically aimed at individuals because of "who they are or what they do."
Among those affected by this latest wave of alerts are Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch right-wing commentator, and Ciro Pellegrino, an Italian journalist. Both confirmed receiving notifications, with Pellegrino stating that the warning was legitimate and not a phishing attempt, emphasizing that it was a real threat. Apple’s message to recipients indicated that the company had detected a "targeted mercenary spyware attack" aimed at compromising the user's iPhone. The warning further explained that while it is not always possible to definitively detect such attacks, Apple had "high confidence" in its findings and urged recipients to take the threat seriously.
This is not the first time Apple has issued such alerts. A similar wave of notifications occurred in July 2024, though the details of that particular campaign have not been disclosed. Apple reassures users that while the majority of iPhone users will never be targeted by these attacks, those who do receive a notification should not ignore it. The company sends notifications in two ways: a Threat Notification is displayed on the Apple ID account page, and additional notifications are sent via email and iMessage.
Apple's proactive approach aims to alert users to these dangerous attacks and provide them with the necessary information to protect their devices and personal information from sophisticated spyware.
