Apple faces ‘mercenary spyware attacks’ flustering users and privacy experts

TLDR:

• An extremely advanced cyber attack has impacted iPhone users globally, targeting high-profile individuals.
• The attacks, known as “mercenary spyware attacks,” are highly sophisticated and well-funded.

Apple has been hit with ‘mercenary spyware attacks,’ impacting iPhone users worldwide. The cyberattacks have targeted high-profile individuals in at least 92 countries, including India. Apple warned users in an email about the attacks aimed at remotely compromising iPhones. These attacks, known as “mercenary attacks,” are some of the most advanced digital threats today and typically target politicians, diplomats, journalists, and activists. While the attacks are not new, they have been evolving and improving over time. Users can check for a “Threat Notification” on their Apple ID page and will receive both an email and iMessage notification if their device has been impacted. Apple has removed the term “state-sponsored” from its warning, but notes that these attacks are commonly tied to state actors. Since 2021, users in 150 nations have been warned about these highly sophisticated attacks. Overall, the mercenary spyware attacks are exceptionally well funded and have been growing in complexity, making them some of the most powerful cybersecurity breaches known.