Apple hit by ‘mercenary spyware attacks’: iPhone users worldwide warned of ‘most advanced digital threats’

A terrifying and extremely advanced cyberattack has affected iPhone users in at least 92 countries, including India, Reuters reported.

Parent company Apple warned targeted users in an email that the hackers aimed to “remotely compromise the iPhone” and on Wednesday updated its guidelines on such cases of infiltration of highly sophisticated devices.

Called “mercenary attacks,” they don’t actually target average users to obtain a bank account number or other personal information. Ordinary people are usually never a target.

Instead, they typically target high-profile individuals – “probably because of who they are or what they do” – in small numbers.

According to Apple, these are usually politicians, diplomats, journalists and activists.

“The extreme cost, sophistication, and global nature of mercenary spyware attacks make them one of the most advanced digital threats in existence today,” Apple wrote in its new guidelines.

“Such attacks are far more complex than traditional cybercriminal activities and consumer malware, as mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices. »

“Mercenary spyware attacks are exceptionally well-funded and evolve over time. »

Although the latest warning removes the term “state-sponsored” – Reuters reported that Apple came under fire last fall following an incident with the Indian government and its opposition leaders – the giant technology still notes that these attacks “have historically been associated with state actors. »

Other times, a proxy may be used on behalf of a nation.

As of 2021, users in at least 150 countries have been warned by Apple that their devices may have been affected by the “exceptionally well-funded” attacks that have improved and evolved over time.

If affected, a “threat notification” will appear online at the top of an Apple web page after users sign in with their Apple ID via appleid.apple.com.

Apple will then send an email and iMessage ping to the user’s phone and associated email address.