Apple has alerted users around the world that their iPhones may have been targeted by government spyware. Two individuals, Ciro Pellegrino from Italy and Eva Vlaardingerbroek from the Netherlands, received warnings via email and text message. The messages mentioned 100 countries being affected.
Pellegrino confirmed receiving the alert, saying it was real and not a joke. Vlaardingerbrock shared her message on X (formerly Twitter), describing the attack as an attempt to intimidate and silence her. Apple did not specify which spyware or campaign was responsible.
This is not the first time Apple has issued such warnings. Last year, they notified users in dozens of countries about similar spyware attacks. Mercenary spyware, developed by private companies and sold to governments, is often used to spy on journalists, activists, and political opponents.
To protect yourself if you receive a threat notification:
– Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version
– Enable Lockdown Mode (introduced in iOS 16)
– Contact cybersecurity experts for further assistance
Receiving this warning highlights concerns about digital surveillance worldwide, the abuse of spyware by authoritarian governments, and the importance of protecting digital rights and privacy.
Source: https://www.techi.com/apple-government-spyware-threats-alert