Apple has cautioned iPhone users about sophisticated spyware attacks that can target individuals at heightened risk of state-linked surveillance.
The alert is displayed on the iPhone's lock and home screens when Apple detects activity indicating a potential “mercenary spyware attack.”
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These attacks are highly targeted and resource-intensive, often involving surveillance tools developed by private technology firms for government or state-linked clients.
Journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats are among those who may be targeted.
Apple said it recently sent threat notifications to users across more than 110 countries, taking the total number of countries notified to over 150.
Receiving the alert does not necessarily mean spyware has been successfully installed.
However, Apple says it has high confidence that the device has been specifically targeted, making immediate action important.
Users can verify an alert through their Apple Account settings.
A genuine warning will appear under the account section as “Apple Threat Notifications”, along with a red notification badge.
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Apple will also send additional information to the email address linked to the account.
Genuine notifications do not contain clickable links, attachments or requests to install apps or enter login details.
Apple recommends affected users seek expert assistance and enable Lockdown Mode, which restricts features commonly exploited by sophisticated attacks.
The mode blocks certain message attachments and links, limits FaceTime calls from unknown contacts, disables some web-browsing features and automatic Wi-Fi connections, and introduces other safeguards.
The warning comes as Apple is set to launch its next-generation iPhone lineup, adding a significant security concern to the company's latest product cycle.
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