Apple has sent out a new batch of notifications to customers it suspects have been targeted with spyware that can hack into their devices. The technology giant sends these alerts on occasion to alert its customers that their iPhones, iPads, or Macs may be compromised with spyware typically by the government.
Apple told TechCrunch that it sent a notification on Thursday to targeted users in 110 countries. Apple said that so far it has notified customers in more than 150 countries, providing information about the state of government use of spyware that has spread around the world.
in a New support article On its website, Apple said it will notify users directly on their iPhone’s lock screen with notifications encouraging people to take action. Apple told TechCrunch that it has improved the user experience, making it easier for recipients to access important information about what to do next.
When received, the threat notification will read: “Apple has detected a mercenary spyware attack targeting your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and your device.”
Apple also sends email notifications to users when they log into their accounts.
John Scott-Railton, senior researcher at digital research group Citizen Lab, first highlighted the latest batch of spyware alerts. In the title X.
If you receive a notification like this, take it seriously. We’ve previously explained what happens when someone is notified that they’ve been targeted. It may not mean that you have been successfully hacked, but you should still take immediate steps to protect your device and data.
Push notifications are also enabled to provide advice on who to reach out for help. You’ll also be prompted to toggle Lockdown mode, a security feature that makes it harder for spyware attacks to succeed. According to Apple, it has yet to see a case of someone’s device being hacked while Lockdown Mode is enabled.
Spyware attacks are generally rare, but the growth of surveillance technology in recent years has allowed them to be abused by governments and targeted by critics, including members of civil society.
Citizen Lab’s Scott-Railton told TechCrunch that these new push notifications are a “huge improvement” in urging people to seek help securing their devices since Apple launched spyware alerts in 2021.
“The alert creates an important signal that the community is being targeted,” Scott-Railton said.
Referring to the ongoing scandal in Poland about the former government’s use of spyware against its opponents, Scott-Railton said that without Apple’s notification, “the whole big scandal about spyware abuse in the Polish election would not have been revealed.”
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