Apple has issued a new spyware attack warning to users in 98 countries. It’s the second time the iPhone maker has released an alert of this nature over the last few months.
Apple issued a similar spyware alert back in April when it warned iPhone users in 92 countries they had been targeted in attacks.
Apple hasn’t given much information about the latest spate of spyware attacks and it’s not yet known which countries are affected.
The message sent to the affected users says:
“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.”
In the same message, Apple says that it is very likely that the person in question is being specifically targeted because of what they do or who they are. And, although there is a certain margin of error, the user should take this warning seriously.
According to public reporting and research by civil society organizations, technology firms, and journalists, individually targeted attacks of such exceptional cost and complexity have historically been associated with state actors, including private companies developing mercenary spyware on their behalf, such as Pegasus from the NSO Group.
Though deployed against a very small number of individuals — often journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats — mercenary spyware attacks are ongoing and global. Mercenary spyware attacks are exceptionally well funded, and they evolve over time.
People that have reason to believe they might be individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, can enable Lockdown Mode on their Apple devices for additional protection.
Lockdown Mode does the following:
- Blocks most message attachments
- Blocks incoming FaceTime calls from people you have not called previously
- Blocks some web technologies and browsing features
- Excludes location from shared phots and removes Shared Albums
- Blocks wired connections when the device is locked
- Blocks auto-joining non-secure WiFi networks
- Blocks incoming invitations from people you have not previously invited
- Blocks installation of configuration profiles you may require for work or school
How to turn on Lockdown Mode on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down, tap Lockdown Mode.
- Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
- Read what it does and tap Turn On Lockdown Mode if that is what you want.
- Tap Turn On & Restart, then enter your device passcode.
