Groups Warn iPhone Users of New Spyware Threat from Apple
Apple has detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack, as indicated by a message from Apple.
Apple is alerting iPhone users about potential “mercenary spyware attacks” through its text message-based threat notification system. This information comes from an antivirus software company, messages shared online by users, a human rights group, and a prominent cybersecurity research institution.
The message from Apple warns that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack attempting to compromise the iPhone linked to your Apple ID, according to MalwareBytes.
To individuals in over 98 countries, Apple allegedly sent out alerts, a claim that The Epoch Times has not yet been able to verify. Apple has not publicly acknowledged these recent messages but was contacted for comment by The Epoch Times on Friday.
A screenshot of a text message sent by Apple this week displayed a similar message along with the Apple ID number.
Amnesty International cautioned on July 10 that Apple sent out notifications to iPhone users informing them of being targeted by sophisticated spyware attacks. It urged individuals who are members of civil society and are targets to immediately contact the organization.
Following the alerts, John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, emphasized on social media to individuals who received such notifications to take them seriously and seek expert assistance, particularly if they are journalists, activists, or dissidents.
In its warning, Apple stated, as shared in a screenshot by Iltija Mufti, that although absolute certainty is not attainable when detecting such attacks, Apple has strong confidence in this warning and urges individuals to take it seriously.
As per a bulletin released by Apple in April, if you receive such alerts, you are likely being targeted due to your identity and activities. Apple highlights that mercenary spyware like the contentious Pegasus program created by the NSO Group in Israel is much more advanced than typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
