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”.
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It’s part of Apple’s official Threat Notification scheme, which launched back in 2021.
A Threat Notification is one of the most serious security alerts 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.
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It’s unclear whether that update is linked to these spying attacks, but it’s important to install the update regardless.
THREAT LEVEL
Apple uses Threat Notifications to warn victims to take action on their accounts.
“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.
AVOID CYBER-ATTACKS
Here’s the official Apple list of tips to avoid becoming a victim of cyber-crime…
- Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes
- Protect devices with a passcode
- Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for your Apple Account
- Install apps from the App Store
- Use strong and unique passwords online
- Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
“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.
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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 threat-notifications@email.apple.com (or threat-notifications@apple.com before April 2025).
APPLE’S LOCKDOWN MODE
If you think you’re at risk of serious cyber-attacks, consider turning Lockdown Mode on..
It’s a special iPhone setting designed for people at risk of major cyber-attacks.
Apple notes: “Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme protection that’s designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats.
“Most people will never be targeted by attacks of this nature.”
It’ll change a whole host of features when active.
That includes:
- Blocking most message attachment types
- Blocking some website technologies
- Blocking incoming FaceTime calls unless you’ve called that person within the past 30 days
- Blocking incoming invitations for Apple services.
- Excluding location information from photos you’re sharing
- Removing Shared Albums from the Photos app
- Requires unlocking if connecting your iPhone to an accessory or another computer
- Preventing automatic joining of non-secure Wi-Fi networks
To turn it on, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > Turn On & Restart.
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
Meanwhile, iMessage notifications will be sent from threat-notifications@apple.com.
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.”
