Apple Issues Alerts to iPhone Users in 91 Countries Regarding Risks of ‘Mercenary Spyware’
Desk Report, April 12, 2024: In a proactive measure to safeguard the privacy and data security of its users, Apple has issued fresh alerts to iPhone users across 91 countries, including India, warning them about the perils associated with ‘mercenary spyware’ such as the notorious Pegasus malware. These notifications, aimed at raising awareness among users, underscore the persistent threat posed by sophisticated surveillance techniques targeting individuals globally.
This recent initiative by Apple follows a series of similar alerts dispatched in October 2023 to prominent political figures in India, including Shashi Tharoor of the Congress party, Raghav Chadha of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool Congress. Those notifications specifically highlighted the looming specter of a “potential state-sponsored spyware attack” directed at their iPhones, shedding light on the gravity of the issue.
The genesis of concerns surrounding unauthorized surveillance via Pegasus software, developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group, can be traced back to 2021 when the Supreme Court of India convened a committee comprising technical experts to investigate allegations of its usage. Subsequent findings in August 2022 revealed the detection of malware in five mobile phones under scrutiny, albeit not ubiquitous across all examined devices.
Citing public reporting and research conducted by various entities, Apple underscores the targeted nature of such attacks, primarily aimed at individuals occupying roles of prominence, including journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. The origins of these incursions, though not explicitly attributed to specific entities or regions, are typically associated with state actors or private companies engaged in the development of espionage tools like Pegasus.
Since 2021, Apple has been proactively issuing threat notifications multiple times a year, spanning across more than 150 countries, as it endeavors to detect and mitigate these evolving security threats. The company accentuates the sophistication and global reach of these malevolent activities, underscoring the imperative for users to remain vigilant and fortify their device security measures.
In addition to the issuance of alerts, Apple has furnished users with practical steps to bolster their device security, including the activation of Lockdown Mode, regular updating of devices with the latest security patches, and exercising caution when encountering suspicious links or messages. This comprehensive approach underscores Apple’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the privacy and security of its users amidst the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats.
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