Camilla Jessen
Apple has issued a global alert after detecting sophisticated spying attempts on iPhones in nearly 100 countries.
Apple has issued security alerts to iPhone users in 98 countries, warning of targeted spyware attacks that may compromise personal data and device integrity.
The company is urging at-risk users to take immediate action to protect themselves.
In a notice sent directly to affected devices, Apple informed users that their iPhones may have been targeted due to who they are or what they do—implying possible political, journalistic, or activist-related motivations.
While it’s impossible to achieve absolute certainty in identifying such attacks,” Apple said, “we are confident enough in our findings to issue this warning.
Apple has not disclosed which countries are involved in the latest alert, nor has it commented further.
According to TechCrunch, this is part of a broader trend: the company has sent similar spyware warnings to users in over 150 countries since 2021, most recently in July 2023.
Security Experts Recommend Lockdown Mode
Cybersecurity specialists advise individuals at high risk—such as journalists, politicians, and human rights activists—to enable “Lockdown Mode” on iPhones and Macs.
The feature, introduced by Apple in 2022, restricts certain high-risk device functionalities, including link previews and file attachments, which are often exploited in spyware attacks.
Lockdown Mode can be activated via the “Privacy and Security” section of device settings and is designed specifically to thwart sophisticated cyber threats.
Apple’s latest warnings underscore the rising threat of state-sponsored surveillance and highlight the importance of proactive digital security—not only for high-profile individuals but for all users.
The company strongly urges recipients of these warnings to take them seriously and review available safety options.