San Francisco, CA – Apple issued security alerts to iPhone users in 92 countries on Wednesday, warning them of potential remote targeting in a mercenary spyware attack. These attacks are distinct from common cybercrimes or consumer malware due to their sophistication, rarity, and high cost. The company emphasized that these attacks are specifically tailored to a select group of individuals and are widespread globally.
The threat notification emails sent out by Apple highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that victims of such attacks could have their sensitive data, communications, camera, and microphone remotely accessed by the attackers. The company advised recipients of these notifications to seek expert assistance from organizations like the Digital Security Helpline provided by Access Now.
Following a report by The Economic Times, it was revealed that India was one of the countries affected by this recent wave of mercenary spyware attacks. However, it remains unclear whether iPhone users in the United States were among the targets. Apple’s reference to Pegasus, a sophisticated spyware developed by the NSO Group in Israel, further underscored the seriousness of the situation.
In a move to hold NSO Group accountable for its surveillance activities, Apple had previously filed a lawsuit against the organization in November 2021. The Pegasus spyware, known for infecting devices without the user’s knowledge, has been used to monitor journalists, lawyers, political dissidents, and human rights activists around the world. Cyberwatchdogs have documented multiple instances of Pegasus being employed by different entities for unauthorized surveillance purposes.
This recent alert from Apple serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by sophisticated spyware and the importance of maintaining vigilance in safeguarding personal data and privacy. It also underscores the need for collaborative efforts between technology companies, cybersecurity experts, and advocacy groups to combat such malicious activities effectively. Users are encouraged to stay informed about potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect their devices and sensitive information from unauthorized access.