Apple warns of threat of spyware attacks to users in 92 countries

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Apple sent a warning regarding the threat of an attack mercenary spyware to its users in 92 countries.

According to a Tech Crunch report, Thursday, the warning was distributed on Wednesday (10/11). However, Apple did not reveal the identity of the attacker or the country of origin of the users who received the notification.

“Apple detected that you are being targeted by an attack mercenary spyware who attempted to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with Apple ID xxx,” Apple wrote to users who got the warning.

“This attack likely targets you specifically because of who you are and what you do. While absolute certainty is impossible to achieve when detecting the attack, Apple is very confident in this warning. Please take it seriously,” continues Apple’s warning.

The iPhone smartphone maker sends similar notifications several times a year and has warned users about the threat of cyberattacks in more than 150 countries since 2021.

Attack warning spyware comes as many countries are preparing for general elections. In recent months, many technology companies have become wary about increasing efforts to manipulate state-sponsored election results.

Previously, the attack was considered state-sponsored but the label was changed to attack spyware by mercenaries.

“Attack mercenary spyware such as using Pegasus from NSO Group, is rare and more sophisticated than ordinary cybercrime activity or malware customers,” Apple wrote in its warning.

Apple said that detecting cyber attack threats relies on internal intelligence information.

“While our investigations never reach absolute certainty, Apple’s threat alerts have a high level of confidence that users have been individually targeted by attacks mercenary spyware and must take this very seriously,” Apple added.

Translator: Farhan Arda Nugraha
Editor: Zita Meirina
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