Apple Sends Spyware Threat Notifications to Users in 99 Countries
Summary
Apple says it notified users in 99 countries of mercenary spyware threats. It did not identify attackers or regions; researchers recommend Lockdown Mode and contacting Access Now. Industry standards talks are nearing their final rounds.
Key points
- Apple said notifications were sent to targeted users in 99 countries, bringing the total number of countries notified to more than 150.
- Apple did not attribute the attacks or notifications to specific attackers or regions.
- Recipients have included journalists and documentary filmmakers, according to the article.
- Researchers cautioned that not receiving a notification does not rule out infection.
- Recommended steps include enabling Lockdown Mode and contacting Access Now for assistance.
- The notification batch comes shortly before final negotiations on voluntary industry standards for commercial hacking tools under the Pall Mall Process.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Apple notifications warning users in 99 countries about mercenary spyware infections.
- Impact
- Recipients include journalists and documentary filmmakers. Apple said it had notified users in over 150 countries in total, but did not attribute the attacks or notifications to specific attackers or regions. Apple’s notification does not establish that every recipient’s device was infected, and the absence of a notification does not rule out infection. Access Now’s Natalia Krapiva said repressive states continue to use spyware against civil society actors and opposition figures.
People
John Scott-RailtonSenior researcher at The Citizen Lab who commented on the significance of the notifications and advised potential victims on protective steps.Natalia KrapivaSenior tech-legal counsel with Access Now who discussed spyware abuse and the reported use of surveillance technologies against civil society actors and opposition figures.