Apple has issued warning notifications to users in 92 countries about potential “mercenary spyware attacks”, as stated in an email sent to targeted individuals.
According to the email reviewed by Reuters, attackers attempted to compromise iPhones in a more sophisticated and targeted manner, rather than the usual cybercriminal activities or malware.
The complete warning message reads:
Apple has detected that your iPhone associated with your Apple ID is being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack attempting to compromise it remotely.
This attack is likely directed at you due to your identity or profession. While absolute certainty is not possible in detecting such attacks, Apple has a high level of confidence in this warning — please take it seriously.
Interestingly, this warning comes just before the start of the general election in India, with other countries also gearing up for upcoming elections in the following weeks and months. Apple mentioned that it is unable to disclose the reason behind the alert, as it could aid mercenary spyware attackers in adjusting their tactics to avoid detection in the future.
Apple has now rebranded the specific threat previously known as a “state-sponsored attack” to “mercenary spyware attack”. According to Apple’s support page, these attackers utilize “exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices”.
The support page explains that these attacks are highly intricate, require “millions of dollars” for development and execution, and have a brief lifespan; the majority of users are unlikely to face such targeted attacks.
