Apple has detected a new wave of mercenary spyware attacks affecting iPhone users in at least 100 countries. In response to this situation, the company has sent notifications to compromised devices, warning about the presence of this spyware and the risk it poses.
According to the company, these attacks are related to mercenary spyware, meaning highly sophisticated digital tools used by groups or organizations to selectively spy on certain individuals, usually for political, professional, or personal reasons.
Since 2021, Apple has been issuing security alerts to users of its devices whenever it identifies such threats. During 2024, Apple identified two previous waves of similar attacks: the first alerted users in 92 countries, and the second alerted users in 98 countries. The newly confirmed wave reaches users in a total of 100 countries.
Brazilian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek were among those affected and shared on social media the notifications sent by Apple, which warn about the mercenary spyware attack targeted at their iPhones. The alerts explain that the attack could be specifically directed by 'who you are or what you do'.
Apple has acknowledged the extreme rarity and complexity of these attacks, indicating that they are much more sophisticated than typical cases of cybercrime or conventional malware. The company asserts that it fully trusts the accuracy of its warnings, although it acknowledges that it is not possible to guarantee absolute certainty in these types of detections.
