Apple has issued warnings to iPhone users at risk of falling victim to "mercenary spyware attacks".
Apple warned iPhone users globally about mercenary spyware attacks.
According to a post on the support page dated April 10th, Apple disclosed that malicious actors have attempted to "remotely exploit iPhones through mercenary spyware".
However, these attempts are not aimed at the majority of users but rather specific targets, such as politicians, journalists, civil society organizations, and businesses.
"Such attacks are much more sophisticated than typical cybercriminal activities. The attackers deploy special resources, targeting a very small number of specific individuals," Apple stated.
"Mercenary spyware attacks can cost millions of dollars, and the malware often exists for a short period, making it difficult to detect and prevent."
Apple's warning was sent to 92 countries worldwide.
Apple has notified potential targets in 92 countries of this threat via email registered with Apple ID and iMessage.
Additionally, users receive similar warnings when logging into their Apple ID account.
Apple mentioned that from 2021 until now, the company has sent notifications to users at risk in 150 countries and territories, without specifying further details.
Apple's warning indicates that targeted users may be threatened by 'mercenary spyware attacks
In the notification, Apple also emphasizes that targeted users may be targeted due to their identity or profession, and it recommends that customers seriously consider cybersecurity issues.
According to Apple's support website, this is not the first time they have sent out this type of notification; they have previously done the same for users in over 150 countries since 2021.
This is not the first time Apple has warned iPhone users about threats from hackers.
According to Apple's assessment, these attacks are similar to NSO Group's Pegasus, so they are considered extremely rare and complex, unlike typical cyberattacks.
Apple has announced that they are using information from private sources and conducting an internal investigation to detect threats.
The security risk notification issued by Apple may not be absolutely certain but is highly reliable, and users should be cautious to avoid becoming targets of spyware.
According to a source speaking to Reuters, this change comes after Apple has faced continuous pressure from the Indian government regarding linking such behavior to state actors.
Apple and the Indian government did not comment on the matter.
