Apple Issues Spyware Threat Notifications to iPhone Users in 92 Countries

Apple has issued threat notifications to iPhone users in 92 countries, warning them that their devices may have been targeted by sophisticated mercenary spyware attacks similar to those deployed by NSO Group's Pegasus.

The notifications, which began arriving Wednesday, represent the largest single batch of such alerts Apple has ever sent. The company did not attribute the attacks to any specific group or country but described them as "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," the notification reads. "This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do."

Apple has sent similar notifications in the past, typically to journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. The scale of this latest batch suggests a significant campaign or the identification of a previously undetected operation.

"The breadth of this notification is unprecedented," said John Scott-Railton, senior researcher at Citizen Lab, which has extensively documented spyware abuses. "It suggests either a very large campaign or that Apple has gained new visibility into mercenary spyware operations."

Apple recommends that users who receive these notifications update to the latest iOS version, enable Lockdown Mode, and seek assistance from digital security experts. The company also suggests that high-risk users consider replacing their device and SIM card.

The notifications come amid growing international concern about the mercenary spyware industry and calls for stricter regulation of companies that sell hacking tools to governments.