April 12, 2024, 8:22 am | Read time: 3 minutes
In a total of 92 countries, iPhone users recently received an important warning from Apple. An acute threat from mercenary spyware is currently emerging. TECHBOOK explains what makes it so special.
Smartphone manufacturers worldwide strive to outdo each other with every new product. New features and faster chips are needed, ideally wrapped in a sleek design. However, as performance increases, so do the demands, especially in the area of security. Nowadays, smartphones must be better equipped because potentially dangerous software is constantly being developed. Despite all efforts, companies and customers alike face new challenges. Recently, Apple, whose devices are generally considered particularly secure due to their mostly closed system, had to warn iPhone users about so-called mercenary spyware, which is truly formidable.
Apple IDs of iPhone Users Targeted by Mercenary Spyware
As reported by TechCrunch, warnings from Apple were sent to iPhone users in 92 nations on April 10, as they might be targeted by mercenary spyware. Previously, the alerts were limited to specific regions. It is unclear who the attackers are and in which countries their targets are located. Whether individuals in Germany are affected is uncertain, but given the number of regions, it is quite possible.
In the related notification, which the magazine claims to have seen, it states that the hacking attempt is to be carried out remotely using the Apple ID associated with the device. The victims are not chosen randomly but based on their identity and professional activity.
Apple acknowledges on a support page that there can never be complete certainty about whether a threat actually exists. However, they place great trust in the warning sent out, which should be taken very seriously.
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Brief Attacks Costing Millions of Dollars
The so-called mercenary spyware is difficult to compare with other malware, and Apple itself describes attacks of this type as “far more complex than usual cybercrime.” The attackers have extensive resources, and the hacking attempts can cost millions of U.S. dollars, even though they are usually short-lived–making detection and tracking very difficult.
Due to their complexity, international use, and immense cost, these cyberattacks are said to represent “one of the most advanced digital threats of our time.” Private companies and state actors are reportedly responsible for the development and use of such mercenary spyware–a prominent example is the Pegasus spyware from the NSO Group. iPhones have been protected against this spyware since iOS version 14.8 .
In the past, Apple referred to the attacks as “state-sponsored,” which would be another peculiarity. However, after such warnings from the U.S. company in India, the local government was displeased with the wording. Therefore, Apple now exclusively refers to “mercenary software,” which “historically can be associated with state actors.”
Specialized Cyberattacks on Specific Individuals
At least there is some consolation: The vast majority of iPhone users will never receive a notification from Apple about mercenary spyware. This is primarily aimed at specific individuals with particular influence or knowledge–journalists, diplomats, politicians, and activists are preferred targets.
If you do not belong to any of these groups, you can be reassured for now. However, such attacks continue to occur, and since 2021, they have been registered in more than 150 countries. The exact reasons remain unclear, and Apple does not provide information on this. However, according to TechCrunch, it is notable that the warnings were issued just when several countries were preparing for political elections.