Security News > 2024 > April > Apple: Mercenary spyware attacks target iPhone users in 92 countries
Apple has been notifying iPhone users in 92 countries about a "Mercenary spyware attack" attempting to remotely compromise their device.
"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 -xxx-," reads the notification.
To protect against such attacks, Apple recommends a set of immediate actions that include enabling lockdown mode on the device, updating the iPhone and any other Apple products to the latest software version, and seeking expert assistance such as that from the Digital Security Helpline - a non-profit that provides technical support at no cost for journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
"Since 2021, we have sent Apple threat notifications multiple times a year as we have detected these attacks, and to date, we have notified users in over 150 countries in total," Apple informs.
"On a related note, in the updated support page, Apple says that the"extreme cost, sophistication, and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today.
If you're targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, you will get an email and iMessage notification at the numbers registered with your Apple ID, while a threat notification will also be displayed on the Apple ID portal after login, as a way to confirm authenticity.