Apple Warns IPhone Users In 100 Countries Regarding Spyware Attacks, Allegedly Pegasus

Apple has sent a serious warning to iPhone users in 100 countries, stating that their device is most likely a victim of a high-level spyware attack. Although not explicitly naming, Apple indirectly referred to NSO Group's Pegasus spyware as an example of this kind of attack.

The Cupertino-based technology company said that this attack was a spyware attack by mercenaries spyware specifically targeting individuals based on who they were or what they were doing. This type of attack is known to be very sophisticated, expensive, and is often carried out by state actors (state-sponsored).

Apple revealed that it has a high level of confidence that the victim's device has been targeted, and suggested immediate security measures, such as activating Lockdown Mode, updating the device to the latest iOS version (iOS 18.4.1), as well as changing passwords for sensitive services.

One of the victims who revealed the contents of the message from Apple was Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek. In the message, Apple confirmed that the detected attack "is trying to remotely compromise your iPhone", and calls for high vigilance against all forms of suspicious messages such as fake links, email attachments, or SMS scams that seem convincing.

Apple itself did not explain how their system detected these attacks, to prevent spyware such as Pegasus from developing new ways to evade detection. However, since 2021, Apple has sent alerts like this several times a year when they detect attacks on specific users.

The company also provides emergency security assistance links through the Digital Security Helpline for victims to get professional assistance.

With a spike in warnings in more than 100 countries, this is one of the biggest wave of spyware alerts Apple has ever sent, showing how serious the current global scale of digital threats are.