Apple Issues New Spyware Attack Warning To iPhone Users

Apple has issued a new warning to iPhone users that it believes have been targeted by spyware. The iPhone maker sent the notifications to users in 100 countries, according to TechCrunch, which spoke with two of the alleged targets.

The spyware notifications aren’t a new thing. Apple has sent warnings to iPhone users targeted by spyware several times in the past, directing those affected to non-profit organizations such as Amnesty International to help.

One of the apparent victims of iPhone spyware is Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino, who wrote about his experience in an article. As has happened in the past when users are targeted with spyware, he received an email from Apple.

“Today’s notification is being sent to affected users in 100 countries,” the message read, according to Pellegrino.

The second victim of iPhone spyware is Dutch right-wing activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek, who shared her experience on X, formerly Twitter.

“Apple detected a targeted mercenary spyware attack against your iPhone,” the alert read. “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.”

It is not clear what type of spyware was used against them, but Apple has recently issued patches for vulnerabilities that could have been used in these types of attacks. Infamous examples of spyware include Israeli firm NSO Group’s Pegasus and more recently, LightSpy, which was discovered by researchers at Blackberry last year.

Spyware is so dangerous because once it’s on your iPhone, it can give attackers access to your screen, camera and mic. This means attacks can see and hear everything you do, even reading encrypted apps such as WhatsApp and Signal.

Mercenary spyware is so-called because it is created by companies for government or law enforcement to catch criminals, but can be misused against targeted individuals.

I contacted Apple for a comment and will update this article if the iPhone maker responds.

What To Do If You Could Be A Target Of iPhone Spyware

Spyware is highly-targeted, so it only affects specific individuals such as dissidents, journalists, government officials and businesses operating in certain sectors. If this is you, there are a few ways to stop yourself being targeted in the first place.

The most important thing to do is ensure your iPhone is up to date with the latest software, in this case iOS 18.4.1, which will prevent attackers using flaws to target you with spyware. Be careful of any iMessage or WhatsApp images you are sent, as these can be used in “zero click” attacks requiring no interaction to plant spyware on your iPhone.

You can also use Apple’s Lockdown Mode if you think you are a target, which reduces functionality but makes it difficult for spyware to get through. Apple says Lockdown Mode has prevented spyware attacks in numerous cases.

If you think you have already been hit with spyware, there isn’t much you can do. You can detect it by using apps such as iVerify, or contacting non-profits including Amnesty. However, the NSA and others recommend turning your iPhone on and off again regularly, to temporarily disrupt spyware on your device.