Apple Announces 'Scary Fast' Event For 30 October

Apple Warns 98 Countries of Possible iPhone Spyware Attacks

Apple says iPhone users in 98 countries appear to have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks which could compromise almost all the personal data on their devices.

The company issued warnings to suspected victims urging them to use the iPhone Lockdown Mode to prevent any data breaches. According to a number of users, these notifications have already begun popping up on their iPhones warning them of a possible security breach.

Apple tracks these spyware attacks very closely and is usually aware of them before they impact a user. The company hasn’t ever revealed how it knows a possible attack is about to happen. In the past, the company says it relies solely on “internal threat-intelligence information and investigations to detect such attacks”.

If you are targeted, you will receive a notification on your iPhone which warns you of the spyware attack. The current warning reads:

“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 -xxx-. 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,”

Apple hasn’t shared any details on who is behind the latest spyware attacks. Multiple users in India are among the first to receive the notification.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you’re likely being targeted due to the widespread warning. These spyware attacks usually only target people who carry sensitive information. Journalists, dissidents and sensitive business owners are targets. For the average iPhone user, spyware attacks are rarely an issue.

For example, in October last year, Apple detected the presence of Pegasus, a highly invasive spyware developed by Israeli firm NSO group. It targeted a prominent group of Indian journalists and politicians.

In April, Apple warned 92 countries of another spyware attack. This attack was related to LightSpy, a dangerous spyware which could locate a target with “near-perfect accuracy”.

Spyware is an extremely dangerous software that can easily bypass encrypted messages and access audio and video content. Attackers can access your device by simply sending a message, requiring no interaction from the user. Once on your device, spyware is incredibly difficult to get rid of.

Apple says the Lockdown Mode will stop spyware altogether but it will affect the functionality on your iPhone. You can also turn off your device to cut off the attack but that is only a temporary fix.

Again, these attacks don’t target the average Joe so you likely have nothing to worry about. However, Apple does urge users to keep their iPhones up-to-date at all times including iOS and apps.

Source: Techcrunch

Marco is the owner and founder of GLITCHED. South Africa’s largest gaming and pop culture website. GLITCHED quickly established itself with tech and gaming enthusiasts with on-point opinions, quick coverage of breaking events and unbiased reviews across its website, social platforms, and YouTube channel.

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