August 17, 2026, 12:41 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple again warns users about cyberattacks. The alerts appear directly on the lock screen of affected devices, among other places. Recipients should take them seriously. The background involves attacks with so-called mercenary spyware. According to Apple, these are targeted attacks on individuals, not ordinary malware or classic phishing messages.
Who Receives Such Warnings
According to Apple, this form of attack targets only a small number of people. Since these types of trojans cost “millions of dollars,” typically only selected individuals are targeted–such as journalists, politicians, activists, and diplomats. However, an attack on people outside these groups cannot be ruled out.
Apple has been sending such alerts multiple times a year since 2021. According to the company, users in more than 150 countries have been informed that they may be the target of such an attack.
How Apple Informs Affected Users
The warnings do not appear as ordinary pop-up windows in the browser. Instead, Apple displays the alerts directly on the affected devices. Users see them on the lock screen and in settings, among other places. Additionally, warnings can be sent via email and displayed on the Apple account page. Several users have reported such notifications on social networks.
Apple emphasizes that the notifications do not provide absolute certainty about the cause of an incident–yet they should not be ignored. According to the company, they are reliable indicators of a possible targeted attack.
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Beware of Fake Security Warnings
Anyone receiving such a message should first verify that it actually comes from Apple. Fraudsters repeatedly attempt to obtain personal data with fake security warnings.
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A key feature of genuine Apple warnings: They never ask users to open links or files or to install apps or configuration profiles. Likewise, Apple does not request passwords, verification codes, or other access data via email or phone.
What Affected Users Should Do Now
Apple recommends that affected users respond quickly upon receiving a warning. The threat notification includes additional information and recommendations for protecting devices.
The company also advises contacting experts directly. Apple names the emergency assistance of the Digital Security Helpline of the nonprofit organization Access Now as a contact point.
At the same time, Apple points out that the cause of such a warning cannot be precisely determined, especially not by external service providers. Users should therefore be particularly cautious with their devices and accounts. This includes keeping iPhones, iPads, or Macs up to date with the latest software.
Additionally, Apple recommends protecting the Apple account with two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords. Apps should only be installed from the App Store. Special caution is advised with links and attachments from unknown senders.