Apple Warned iPhone Users In 92 Countries About Mercenary Spyware Attacks

"Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-," the alert reads.

Apple has issued a new spyware warning to iPhone users in 92 countries after it found they had been targeted in spyware attacks. The spyware attacks aimed to install malicious software on the device to spy on the user's data and location.

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Spyware attacks are particularly concerning because the malware can be delivered in a zero-click attack which requires no interaction from an iPhone user. One example is a malicious image that can be sent over iMessage or WhatsApp. From there, adversaries can completely take over the device, including listening to calls, reading emails, and accessing apps.

If you have received an Apple threat notification, read the official notice from Apple for next steps. You can view that here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102174

Also some general guidance for all users: 

• Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes
• Protect devices with a passcode
• Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID
• Install apps from the App Store
• Use strong and unique passwords online
• Don't click on links or attachments from unknown senders

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