Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new version of DarkSword spyware that can be easily replicated by hackers, putting hundreds of millions of iPhone users at risk. The tool, leaked on the code-sharing site GitHub, allows hackers to target devices running older versions of Apple’s operating systems and steal sensitive information.
The new DarkSword version shares the same infrastructure as previously analyzed tools but with slightly different files that can be easily copied and pasted onto a server. This means hackers don’t need any iOS expertise to use it, making it extremely vulnerable.
Experts warn that this could lead to widespread attacks on devices running iOS 18 or earlier, which are vulnerable to DarkSword. Apple has issued an emergency update for affected devices, but experts recommend upgrading to the latest iOS 26 software to avoid the risk.
Matthias Frielingsdorf, co-founder of mobile security startup iVerify, said that the new version is “bad” and can be easily repurposed by hackers. He recommends that users upgrade their iPhone’s operating system as soon as possible to protect themselves from potential attacks.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/23/someone-has-publicly-leaked-an-exploit-kit-that-can-hack-millions-of-iphones