Apple warns iPhone users in 110 countries of spyware attacks

Apple sent threat notifications on August 13 to users in 110 countries, warning they may be individually targeted by highly sophisticated mercenary spyware. The company confirmed the alerts on August 14, Hindustan Times reports. The warnings are not sent to all users but only to those Apple believes face a heightened risk, such as journalists, activists, and diplomats.

Times Now adds that these attacks are linked to state actors and private firms, and can cost millions of dollars. Apple says mercenary spyware is far more advanced than ordinary cybercrime, targeting a small number of people for specific information. The company does not disclose which countries are affected or the identities of those targeted.

Apple advises recipients to enable Lockdown Mode, an extreme security feature, and to keep devices updated with the latest software. Users should also use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking suspicious links. To verify a genuine notification, Apple says users should sign in directly to their Apple Account rather than following links in the message.