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Apple spyware alerts reach unprecedented number of users

Created at 17 Aug · 8:36 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Investigators report an unprecedented number of Apple users received spyware threat notifications, indicating a significant increase in targeted attacks. Experts suggest this surge may be due to Apple's enhanced notification methods.

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Key Numbers

110countries alerted to spyware
30% to 40%increase in user inquiries after alerts

Who's Involved

Apple
technology giant sending spyware alerts
Mohammed Al-Maskati
Director of Access Now's investigator team
iVerify
cybersecurity firm confirming influx of notifications
John Scott-Railton
Senior Researcher at The Citizen Lab
Ukraine Armed Forces soldier
recipient of spyware alert
Apple spyware alerts reach unprecedented number of users

↳ Why This Matters

The surge in spyware alerts indicates a potentially widespread and sophisticated threat targeting individuals globally, raising concerns about state-sponsored surveillance and the security of personal devices.

Key facts

  • An unprecedented number of Apple users received spyware threat notifications.
  • The alerts were sent to customers in 110 countries.
  • Digital rights groups and cybersecurity firms reported a significant influx of user inquiries.
  • Experts suggest the scale and geographic diversity of public reports are unprecedented.
  • Apple's enhanced notification methods may have contributed to the increased reporting.

    • An unprecedented number of Apple customers have reported receiving threat notifications about suspected spyware attacks, according to investigators.

    Apple sent out a new wave of alerts on Friday, notifying customers in 110 countries that their devices may have been targeted with "mercenary spyware," which the company states is normally used by governments.

    Digital rights groups and cybersecurity firms confirmed an unusually large influx of reports. Mohammed Al-Maskati, director of the Access Now team, stated that inquiries since Friday have been a record high, approximately 30% to 40% more than usual after such notifications. Cybersecurity firm iVerify also confirmed seeing an increase.

    One recipient, a Ukrainian soldier who requested anonymity, expressed surprise at being targeted but noted awareness of other military personnel in Ukraine receiving similar alerts. John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at The Citizen Lab, described the scale and geographic diversity of public reports as "unprecedented," suggesting a larger issue at play.

    Experts like Al-Maskati and Scott-Railton believe Apple's updated notification methods, which now include lock screen alerts, in the Settings app, via email, and upon web login, have contributed to the heightened awareness and reporting. Apple did not respond to requests for comment.

    Frequently asked questions

    Mercenary spyware refers to sophisticated malware typically used by governments to target specific individuals, often journalists, dissidents, or human rights defenders.

    Apple now notifies users via their iPhone lock screen, in the Settings app, through their associated email account, and when logging into their Apple Account on the web.

    Users are advised to take the alert seriously and enable Lockdown Mode, a security feature designed to make iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers harder to hack.

    What Happens Next

    01Users who received notifications are advised to take them seriously.
    02Users are encouraged to turn on Lockdown Mode for enhanced security.

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    Cadence

    How It Developed

    Apple sent out a new wave of spyware threat notifications on Friday.
    The notifications alerted customers in 110 countries to suspected spyware attacks.
    Digital rights groups and cybersecurity firms reported a record high number of users reaching out for assistance.
    One investigator noted a 30% to 40% increase in inquiries compared to previous notification waves.
    A Ukrainian soldier confirmed receiving the alert and awareness of others in the military receiving similar notifications.
    Experts stated the scale and geographic diversity of public reports are unprecedented.
    Enhanced notification methods by Apple, including lock screen and settings app alerts, may have contributed to the increased reporting.
    Apple did not respond to requests for comment.

    Sources

    T1
    ‘Unprecedented’ number of Apple users received recent spyware alert, say investigatorsTechCrunch

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