Apple warns users in 110 countries of new mercenary spyware attacks

Apple has issued a new wave of spyware threat notifications to users across 110 countries, warning them of potential mercenary spyware attacks targeting their devices. The company notes that, over the years, it has alerted users in more than 150 countries, highlighting how widely government‑grade spyware has spread. These alerts now appear directly on the iPhone lock screen as a push notification, making it easier for users to understand the threat and take action. Apple advises affected users to enable Lockdown Mode, stating that it has not documented a single successful spyware compromise while the feature is active. The notifications also guide users on who to contact for help, encouraging immediate steps to secure their data. Citizen Lab researchers say the improved alerts significantly increase the chances of uncovering broader spyware campaigns. They point to cases like Poland, where Apple’s notifications helped expose a major political surveillance scandal. While such attacks remain rare, Apple stresses that users should treat every alert seriously and respond quickly.

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