Apple is issuing a significant alert to iPhone users in 100 countries, warning them that their devices may be infected with spyware. This alert is particularly concerning as it is believed to involve Pegasus, a notorious spyware developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group.
The NSO Group has a track record of selling this technology to governments, enabling them to surveil and extract personal data from iPhones owned by individuals such as journalists and political activists. The ongoing battle between Apple and the NSO Group continues as Apple seeks to protect its users.
In 2021, Apple initiated threat notifications aimed at users targeted by state-sponsored attackers, which tend to focus on smaller groups, making it difficult to identify and defend against these threats. Users perceived as at risk receive notifications via iMessage, email, and through their Apple ID account.
Recently, two individuals publicly shared that they had received alerts from Apple regarding potential spyware attacks. Ciro Pellegrino, an Italian journalist, stated that he received both an email and a text message from Apple informing him of the spyware infection.
He noted that this notification was sent to users in 100 countries. Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch right-wing activist, also reported receiving a similar warning.
In her tweet, she expressed her determination not to be intimidated by these threats. In response to the alert, Apple recommends users enable Lockdown Mode in their device settings for enhanced protection against sophisticated digital threats.
Additionally, they advise users to change passwords for sensitive accounts accessed from their iPhones and to ensure that their devices are updated to the latest software version. Apple’s guidance emphasizes the importance of taking these alerts seriously, as mercenary spyware attacks are highly persistent.