Apple Issues New Spyware Attack Warning To iPhone Users
Apple has issued a new spyware warning to iPhone users in 92 countries, after it found they had been targeted in attacks. Apple users were alerted of the attacks via a notification email seen by Reuters.
Located in India and 91 other countries, victims of the spyware attack were told adversaries had attempted to “remotely compromise the iPhone.”
“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-,” the alert reads.
“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.”
The new iPhone attack apparently aimed to install the malicious software on the device to spy on a user’s data and location. Apple has sent these emails before, with multiple alerts going out to over 150 countries since 2021, according to the email sent out by the iPhone maker.
Apple did not disclose where the attack came from, but spyware attacks are typical of nation state actors. In 2021, Apple sued Israeli firm NSO Group for its part in attacks on iPhone users.
Why Apple Issues Regulator iPhone Updates
Over the last few years, Apple has issued an increasing number of iOS updates to address holes that could have been used for spyware attacks. Some of these come as emergency security updates, especially when an iPhone flaw is already being used in attacks.
Spyware attacks are scary because the malware can be delivered in a so-called zero-click attack which requires no interaction from an iPhone user. One example is a malicious image that can be sent over iMessage or WhatsApp.
If iPhone spyware attacks such as these are successful, they allow adversaries to completely take over the device. Attackers can listen in to calls, read emails—and even access apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, because they can see everything on your iPhone’s screen.
New iPhone Spyware Warning—What To Do
This might sound worrying, but spyware attacks only target a specific subset of users, usually journalists, dissidents, government workers and businesses operating in certain sectors. If this applies to you, Apple has introduced Lockdown Mode to use on your iPhone. It does reduce your iPhone’s functionality, but it’s worth it if you fall into this group and might be at risk.
If you have received the alert from Apple, you can contact human rights organization Amnesty International’s Security Lab, which offers digital forensic support to at risk human rights defenders, activists, journalists and members of civil society.
“If you are a member of civil society, and you have received an Apple notification, you can contact us and request forensic support using our Get Help form,” a notice on Amnesty International’s website reads.
Overall, every iPhone user should be ensuring their iOS software is up to date—the latest version is iOS 17.4.1. Apple might also release a new iOS update to patch the holes used for this latest spyware attack, or the iPhone maker might have even patched it already.
