New Delhi: Apple recently issued a warning to its users in India and 91 other countries, alerting them about a potential threat from “mercenary spyware,” according to reports from various media outlets. The company alerted users that they may be targeted by advanced spyware trying to remotely access their iPhones.
These attacks are described as “exceptionally rare” and “vastly more sophisticated” than typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware by Apple. The company also stressed on the unique nature of threats like the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, adding such attacks are individually tailored and cost millions of dollars, targeting a very small number of individuals.
Apple’s threat notification read, “Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID [Apple ID specified]. This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it’s never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously.”
Users have been advised to be careful with links or attachments from unknown sources. They chose not to share more details about the spyware, worried it could help attackers avoid detection.
Additionally, Apple updated its support page with advice for users possibly impacted by mercenary spyware attacks. The page informed how these threats are tailored to individuals and their devices, making them hard to detect and stop.
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