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Apple has newly sent ‘Threat Notifications’ or warning messages to iPhone users in 110 countries worldwide. Sent on Thursday (August 13), this alert states that the devices of these users could be potential targets of sophisticated ‘mercenary spyware’ attacks.
Apple stated that these alerts are not issued for ordinary cyberattacks. This message is sent on an emergency basis only when signs of highly advanced and serious spyware attacks, specifically targeting particular users, are detected.
Mercenary spyware refers to commercially developed high-tech surveillance software typically used to target specific individuals such as journalists, politicians, diplomats, and human rights activists. Since launching this notification system in 2021, Apple has alerted users in over 150 countries to date. However, the company has not disclosed how many iPhone users received this notification in the latest round.
A significant difference with this latest warning compared to previous ones is its distribution method. While earlier alerts were delivered solely via email and the Apple ID account page, this time the message is appearing as a ‘push notification’ directly on the iPhone’s lock screen and in the settings option. This allows users to learn about potential risks more quickly.
Apple has clarified that receiving such a warning does not mean an iPhone has definitively been hacked. However, their alert system operates based on very strong evidence. To maintain the confidentiality of its investigation process and security strategies, Apple never discloses the names of the attackers or assisting individuals, organizations, or countries.
Many users might be confused about whether the warning is genuine or fake. Apple’s guidelines state that authentic warnings will never ask you to click on any links, install new files or profiles, or provide passwords and verification codes. To verify authenticity, users can sign in directly to account.apple.com in their browser, where the warning message will appear at the top of the account page.
Users at risk are advised to update their iPhone’s operating system immediately and activate ‘Lockdown Mode’. Apple claims that no successful spyware infection has been observed on any device while Lockdown Mode is active. If the situation appears serious, Apple has recommended seeking assistance from a digital security helpline or expert cybersecurity firm.
