Apple sent notifications to iPhone users in 98 countries about the risk that their devices could be attacked with spyware.
"Apple detected that you were targeted by a mercenary spyware attack attempting to remotely infiltrate the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-," the announcement from Apple read. "The attack is likely to target specific users. They know who you are or what you are doing."
According to TechCrunch, Apple did not mention each country, or the name of the hacker or malware used, but a total of users in 98 countries have received warnings via email since the evening of July 10, the most in the US and India. Degree.
In April, Apple also sent similar warnings to users in 92 countries, saying they were at risk of becoming victims of spyware, most of whom were politicians, journalists, civil organizations, enterprise.
According to Forbes, Apple has had a number of similar warnings since 2021. However, the announcement in April was the first time the company used the phrase "spyware for hire" and the warning on July 10 was the third time.
The company also issued a warning regarding Pegasus malware from NSO Group (Israel), discovered on iPhones and iPads since 2021. At that time, Amnesty International said it had found evidence of iPhones. 12 was attacked, causing 50,000 phone numbers to be leaked. The same year, this software was also found on the phones of at least 5 French ministers.
In November 2021, Apple filed a lawsuit against NSO Group, asking to permanently ban the company from using its software, services or devices. Nearly a month later, the iPhones of at least 9 US State Department employees were discovered to have been hacked using NSO Group software.
Despite Apple's repeated warnings, NSO Group is said to still be looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities inside iPhone and iPad. According to FT, the two are playing a game of "cat and mouse" and show no signs of stopping.