APPLE has pushed out an urgent alert to iPhone owners who are victims of a dangerous spying attack.
The tech giant says users in 100 countries were targeted by “spyware”; – and urged those affected to “please take it seriously”;.
It’s part of ‘s official Threat Notification scheme, which launched back in 2021.
A Threat Notification is one of the most serious you can get on your Apple account.
“The extreme cost, sophistication and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today,”; Apple warned.
Now TechCrunch reports that a fresh wave of these notifications have been sent out to victims of an attack.
Apple doesn’t name who has been affected by the attacks.
But Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino said he received one in an article, writing: “It’s the first time something like this has happened to me. It’s a horrible feeling.”;
The Apple message explains: “Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple Account.
“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.”;
It added: “Please take it seriously.”;
Apple keeps secret its methods of discovering these sinister iPhone attacks.
And it generally avoids explaining how the attack works – simply disclosing that it’s some kind of “spying”; attempt.
Apple recently pushed out an iOS update for all iPhones globally fixing two security loopholes that were being actively exploited by crooks.
You can check you’ve got the iOS 18.4.1 update by going into Settings > General > Software Update.
It’s unclear whether that update is linked to these spying attacks, but it’s important to install the update regardless.
THREAT LEVEL
to warn victims to .
“Such attacks are vastly more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware,”; Apple explained.
“As mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices.
“Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent.
“The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks.”;
If you receive a notification, it’ll appear in two different ways.
The first is through an email and iMessage notification to the contact details associated with your Apple Account.
And the second is a line of red text that reads “Threat Notification”; at the top of the Apple Account website once you log in.
It will include a View Details option to read more about the alert.
Apple warns that you’ll never be asked to click any links, open files, install apps, or hand over passwords with a Threat Notification.
And the email will only come from [email protected] (or [email protected] before April 2025).
Meanwhile, iMessage notifications will be sent from [email protected].
HOW TO REACT
If you’ve received a notification, you’ll want to act fast.
“We strongly suggest that you enlist expert help, such as the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the non-profit Access Now,”; Apple said.
“Apple threat notification recipients can contact the Digital Security Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through their website.
“Outside organisations do not have any information about what caused Apple to send a threat notification, but they can assist targeted users with tailored security advice.”;
