Apple sent a threat notification to iPhone users in 92 countries and regions. Beijing time today, warning that they may have become the target of spyware attacks. Apple did not disclose the identity of the attacker or the country or region where users were notified.
In a warning to affected customers, Apple wrote: “Apple has detected that you are being targeted by a spyware attack that attempts to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID. This attack is likely to be specifically targeting you. , no matter who you are or what you do. While this type of attack can never be accurately detected, Apple is confident in this warning – please take it seriously.”
▲ Demonstration on Apple’s official website about users being attacked
On Apple’s support interface, Apple stated that it has sent threat notifications to users multiple times every year since 2021, and has notified users in more than 150 countries/regions. Such attacks are much more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware because spyware attackers use specialized resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices. Spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and are often short-lived, making them harder to detect and prevent, and the vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks.
For ordinary users who want to protect themselves from general cybercriminals and consumer malware, Apple provides some suggestions, summary is as follows:
Update your device to the latest software as it includes the latest security fixes
Protect your device with a password
Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for your Apple ID
Install the app from the App Store
Use strong and unique passwords online
Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders
