Spyware threat alerts issued by Apple to iPhone users across 100 nations
Hey there! Listen up, matey, 'cause Apple's got some serious news for you.
Apple issues alarming warnings about mercenary spyware attacks
Your iPhone could be in danger, pal. Apple has spilled the beans about targeted spyware attacks that can remotely hack your device without you lifting a finger. This sneaky business is known as a "zero-click" attack, and it's been connected to a powerful tool called Pegasus, which governments and intelligence agencies use.
Journalists, activists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and other folks who might be on the radar of questionable regimes have been His Majesty's secret service targets, m'lady.
How Apple keeps you safe
Since 2021, Apple's been not-so-secretly inserting a watchdog system into iOS to detect signs of hacking, even if they ain't got a clue 'bout the attack itself. If your phone's acting fishy, they'll give you a heads-up that they've detected a targeted attack.
What to do if you've been hit
It happens. But fret not, here are the steps to secure your device:
- Enable Lockdown Mode: Navigate to Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode. This bad boy will jack up your iPhone's protection to the max.
- Update, my dear: Ensure your iPhone's running the latest version (e.g., iOS 18.4.1) by going to Settings → General → Software Update. Don't forget to update other Apple devices (iPad, Mac) and enable Lockdown Mode, too.
- Update your apps: Your messaging apps and cloud services need to be on the latest versions, too, to take advantage of the newest protective measures.
- Get help: Reach out to digital security experts, like through the Digital Security Helpline – they're on standby 24/7 for emergencies.
- Stay vigilant: Be wary of messages. Don't open attachments or links from strangers, even if the message seems like a delivery update or urgent news about a loved one.
- Secure yourware : Change passwords on sensitive sites and services that you used on your iPhone, especially if you can't get professional advice.
Apple keeps their secrets close to the vest, so they don't reveal how they detect an infection. This way, bad guys can't figure out ways around their protection.
Recent cases
This week, notifications were sent out in three ways: email, iMessage, and Apple ID. As of April 30, only two people have reported receiving these warnings from Apple: Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and Dutch activist Eva Verhoeven.
Apple's been sending out warnings like this since 2024, notification countless users in over 100 countries. In March 2025, they even urged iPhone users to immediately update their iOS due to a critical vulnerability. So yeah, stay vigilant out there!
- I received an alarming email, iMessage, or Apple ID notification from Apple recently, warning me about potential cybersecurity threats to my iOS device.
- It appears that I could be a target for a compromising zero-click attack, as Apple's watchdog system has detected signs of hacking on my iPhone.
- To protect myself and maximize my iPhone's security, I navigated to Settings → Privacy & Security → Lockdown Mode to enable this enhanced protection.
- As an activist, I know the importance of staying updated with the latest cybersecurity technology to safeguard my work and personal information from potential threats.
