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‘Unprecedented’ number of Apple users received recent spyware alert, say investigators
techcrunch.com • • technology
Key Points:
- Apple has sent out an unprecedented wave of spyware threat notifications to customers in 110 countries, alerting them to suspected attacks involving powerful government-grade spyware, also known as "mercenary spyware."
- Digital rights groups and cybersecurity firms report a 30-40% increase in people seeking help after receiving these alerts, marking the largest batch of notifications Apple has ever sent.
- Recipients include diverse individuals such as a Ukrainian soldier fighting against Russia, highlighting the broad and global nature of the spyware targeting.
- Experts suggest the rise in notifications may partly result from Apple's new multi-channel alert system, which notifies users via lock screen, Settings app, email, and web login, increasing awareness and response rates.
- Users are advised to take these alerts seriously and enable Apple's Lockdown Mode, a security feature designed to prevent hacking, especially if they are at higher risk such as journalists, dissidents, or human rights defenders.
