Apple sends alerts to ‘iPhone spying attack' victims in 100 countries and says ‘take it seriously' – where to find yours
The tech giant says users in 100 countries were targeted by "spyware" – and urged those affected to "please take it seriously".
3
Watch out for a serious alert that comes via text, email, and on your Apple Account page
Credit: Apple
It's part of Apple's official Threat Notification scheme, which launched back in 2021.
A Threat Notification is one of the most serious security alerts you can get on your Apple account.
"The extreme cost, sophistication and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today," Apple warned.
Now TechCrunch
Read more on iPhone
Apple doesn't name who has been affected by the attacks.
But Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino said he received one in an article,
The Apple message explains: "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple Account.
"This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
"Although it's never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning."
It added: "Please take it seriously."
Apple reveals 'Safety Check' trick to instantly stop exposing your pics and location
Apple keeps secret its methods of discovering these sinister
And it generally avoids explaining how the attack works – simply disclosing that it's some kind of "spying" attempt.
Apple recently pushed out an iOS update for all iPhones globally fixing two security loopholes that were being actively exploited by crooks.
You can check you've got the iOS 18.4.1 update by going into Settings > General > Software Update.
3
A Threat Notification is an extremely serious Apple alert
Credit: Apple
It's unclear whether that update is linked to these spying attacks, but it's important to install the update regardless.
THREAT LEVEL
"Such attacks are vastly more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware," Apple explained.
"As mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to
target
a very small number of specific individuals and their devices.
AVOID CYBER-ATTACKS
Here's the official Apple list of tips to avoid becoming a victim of cyber-crime...
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 your Apple Account
Install apps from the App Store
Use strong and unique passwords online
Don't click on links or attachments from unknown senders
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
"Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent.
"The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks."
If you receive a notification, it'll appear in two different ways.
The first is through an email and iMessage notification to the contact details associated with your Apple Account.
3
If you see this message then you need to act fast
Credit: Apple
And the second is a line of red text that reads "Threat Notification" at the top of the Apple Account website once you log in.
It will include a View Details option to read more about the alert.
Apple warns that you'll never be asked to click any links, open files, install apps, or hand over passwords with a Threat Notification.
And the email will only come from threat-notifications@email.apple.com (or threat-notifications@apple.com before April 2025).
APPLE'S LOCKDOWN MODE
If you think you're at risk of serious cyber-attacks, consider turning Lockdown Mode on..
It's a
Apple notes: "Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme protection that's designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats.
"Most people will never be targeted by attacks of this nature."
It'll change a whole host of features when active.
That includes:
Blocking most message attachment types
Blocking some website technologies
Blocking incoming FaceTime calls unless you've called that person within the past 30 days
Blocking incoming invitations for Apple services.
Excluding location information from photos you're sharing
Removing Shared Albums from the Photos app
Requires unlocking if connecting your iPhone to an accessory or another computer
Preventing automatic joining of non-secure Wi-Fi networks
To turn it on, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > Turn On & Restart.
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
Meanwhile, iMessage notifications will be sent from threat-notifications@apple.com.
HOW TO REACT
If you've received a notification, you'll want to act fast.
"We strongly suggest that you enlist expert help, such as the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the non-profit Access Now," Apple said.
"Apple threat notification recipients can contact the Digital Security Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through their website.
"Outside organisations do not have any information about what caused Apple to send a threat notification, but they can assist targeted users with tailored security advice."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
15 hours ago
- Irish Times
Apple's AI awakening lifts lagging shares
This year has been tough for Apple , but shares stirred to life after Bloomberg reported it may ditch its in-house AI model in favour of technology from OpenAI or Anthropic. That would mark a big shift for a company that prefers to build its core technologies itself. The stakes are high. Siri, once a marquee feature, now trails rivals. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management, whose team tested Apple's revamped assistant, called it 'a voice-activated Google search' – fine for basics like calling a contact or checking the weather, but poor at reasoning or conversation. READ MORE Even when backed by ChatGPT, Siri was sluggish, with response times up to 20 seconds. ChatGPT voice, Munster said bluntly, 'feels like the future.' Apple's AI struggles are well-known and investors may want to leapfrog the problem by adopting a proven model. Still, outsourcing AI comes with strategic risks, says Munster. Rely too much on external models and Apple could lose control of future development – a tension already visible in Microsoft's ties to OpenAI. One alternative: buy Perplexity. The AI search start-up is model-agnostic and building a smart browser. Munster says it could boost Safari, hedge against Google Search, and give Apple more freedom to switch models. Wedbush's Dan Ives agrees, saying acquiring Perplexity would be a 'no-brainer'. Apple has made just three billion-dollar acquisitions. A Perplexity deal – likely over $14 billion – would mark a clear break from its cautious M&A playbook. Still, Apple spent over $100 billion on share buy-backs last year, so it can well afford to make a big AI statement. The question is whether it will.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Exact date iconic hatchback will make UK comeback with bold new look – and will be even cheaper than expected
AN Italian car maker has announced the exact date that its iconic hatchback will be available to motorists. The new hybrid version of the 4 The new hybrid will use a 12V battery Credit: Stellantis 4 Production is set to begin later this year Credit: Stellantis Fiat announced that their new The fresh take on the classic hatchback will be produced at the firm's The motor will boast the same Almost identical to the Read more in Motors Fiat aims to manufacture over 100,000 units per year of its new hybrid 500 small car. Parent Stellantis was created in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France's Last year the firm manufactured 475,000 vehicles in Italy, from over 751,000 in 2023. Most read in Motors Francois said during a media preview of the car, when some The new hybrid 500, to be manufactured from November in the Mirafiori complex in Turin, Italy, along its existing Fiat 500e production paused Production of the 500 EV, which costs almost 30,000 euros, amounted to just 25,000 units last year. The firms The Stellantis is also working on the new generation of the 500, expected around 2030, to be produced in 4 The cars will be made at the firm's Mirafiori plant Credit: Stellantis 4 The firm aims to produce 100,000 units a year Credit: Stellantis "We're designing it now, it will be Pre-series models have reportedly already rolled off the production line. The model will be available in the UK in two configurations: the classic A 12v lithium battery will boost the little hybrid's performance and enhance fuel efficiency. A modern interior will offer a Full wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows for safe smartphone integration. What is Stellantis? Stellantis is the company behind iconic motor brands such as Fiat, Vauxhall and Peugot. The conglomerate, which is the second-largest maker of cars in Europe, owns 14 badges, including Chrysler, Citroen, Jeep and Maserati. The company itself is the product of a merger between Fiat-Chrysler and France's PSA, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen, in 2021. But the motoring giant has encountered increasingly stuttering financial success. And an initial manufacturing break at Stellantis has now been extended as bosses report a collapse in demand for electric cars.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The five shockingly common objects in your home that are tanking your Wi-Fi – and you can fix it in seconds
YOUR dodgy Wi-Fi might be your own fault – and not your internet provider's. It turns out that there are a few mistakes linked to common household objects that can cause Wi-Fi troubles at home. 3 Even if you're got a great router and a top package with rapid speeds, you won't necessarily get brilliant Wi-Fi Credit: Sky So much of what we do depends on having decent internet. That's why it's important to make sure you're not making simply errors that are silently killing your connection. SURPRISING WI-FI KILLERS Microwave ovens are great for fast cooking – but not fast Wi-Fi. For instance., Sky recommends Read more on Wi-Fi Aside from being a large metal object, microwave ovens operate a similar frequency range to common 2.4GHz WiFi (but with much greater power). So you'll want to keep your router far away from the microwave if you've got it set up in the kitchen. On that note, that second thing to watch out for is You'll definitely want to avoid having your router on or in a metal cabinet or shelving unit. Most read in Phones & Gadgets And avoid having any large metal objects nearby, like a washing machine. Thirdly, Genius Apple trick lets you send iPhone texts with no signal or Wi-Fi It's fine to have mirrors in your home, but you might not want to have one sitting right behind your router. Fourth, be mindful of other devices that operate on the same 2.4GHz frequency as your Wi-Fi. Common offending gadgets include bluetooth speakers and cordless home phones. And fifth, beware water. Drink it, obviously – but don't put it near your router. 3 Having electronics right next to your router is a bad idea Credit: Sky Aside from the obvious risk of water damage, large amounts of water can affect signals. So don't put your router on top of – or next to – a fish tank, or right by a giant vase filled with water. As a bonus tip, keep your router off the floor too. It can be tempting to dump it down there to get it out of the way, but routers generally work better when raised up. YOUR DEVICES MIGHT BE SLOWING WI-FI TOO Here's the official advice from Sky... "Everything you connect to your hub uses bandwidth, and the more you connect the more it can slow you down," Sky explained. "Even when you aren't using them, app updates, device backups and your smart home devices can still be using your bandwidth in the background. "Try disconnecting anything that doesn't need to be connected so they're not hogging your bandwidth when you're trying to browse, work or play. "And try avoiding activities that need a lot of speed, like online gaming or streaming in HD." Picture Credit: Unsplash You'll want it about head height, so find a nice shelf (preferably not metal) to stick it on. WHY ELSE MIGHT YOUR SPEEDS BE SLOW? Of course, there are plenty of other reasons that your Wi-Fi might be struggling. Your first port of call should be the speed that you're paying for. If you've got a cheaper broadband package then your internet speeds simply might not be very good. 3 You can check your internet speeds easily in seconds – it doesn't cost a penny and will reveal if you're having a Wi-Fi nightmare Credit: FAST / The Sun It's easy enough to check your speeds: try See if that matches up with the speeds on the package that you paid for. If it's miles off – like you're getting an eighth of the promised speed – then something is probably up. You'll experience worse speeds the further you are from the router, so consider connecting gadgets via an ethernet cable if they're very far away. If you've got a big home, you might need several connection points around the home to get the best speeds in the most distant parts of your house. And sometimes internet speeds can drop in an area temporarily due to a technical issue that has nothing to do with you – and is out of your control. Also, if your household is making heavy use of the internet – multiple devices uploading and downloading – then you may experience Wi-Fi trouble too.
