Apple has issued a new spyware attack warning to users in 98 countries. It’s the second time the iPhone maker has released an alert of this nature over the last few months. Apple issued a similar spyware alert back in April when it warned iPhone users in 92 countries they had been targeted in attacks.
Apple hasn’t given much information about the latest spate of spyware attacks and it’s not yet known which countries are affected, according to a report on TechCrunch. However, users in India reported receiving the new alert.
“Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-,” Apple wrote in its new spyware alert.
Squash iPhone Spyware—What To Do
Spyware is increasingly targeting iPhones, with Israeli firm NSO Group’s Pegasus one of the most well-known examples. In April, researchers at Blackberry revealed how a spyware campaign dubbed LightSpy had returned. They called LightSpy “particularly dangerous” because it can allow an attacker to locate a target with “near-perfect accuracy.”
Spyware is so dangerous because it can allow attackers complete access to your iPhone including encrypted messages on WhatsApp and Signal as well as your audio and video. Because it is delivered in so-called zero click-attacks—an attacker sends an image over iMessage for example—requiring no interaction, spyware can be difficult to mitigate.
However, Apple says its Lockdown Mode will stop spyware altogether—although it will affect your iPhone’s functionality. At the same time, you can sometimes tell spyware is on your device if it has slowed down or you see apps you haven’t installed.
Experts say if you suspect spyware is on your device, the best thing you can do is get rid of your iPhone altogether. For an immediate impact, some, including the NSA, say switching your device off and off again can cut spyware off temporarily.
It’s also important to realize that not everyone will be targeted by spyware attacks, so normal iPhone users have no need to panic. But if you are a dissident, journalist or business operating in a targeted sector, you need to take extra steps to stay safe.
Spyware is “still very rare” for the average user, says Suzan Sakarya, senior manager, EMEIA security strategy at security firm Jamf. “Based on Apple’s notification, this spyware campaign was another precise attack targeting individuals with highly valued access or contacts.”
Most spyware attacks will be highly targeted, so for the vast majority of people the risk remains fairly low, agrees Sean Wright, head of application security at Featurespace.
But it is still important that ordinary users remain vigilant and apply “good security hygiene,” he says. “Apply updates in a timely manner, be careful about which apps you install and from where and be cautious and mindful of phishing type attacks.”
In general, you should always be careful of the apps you download and ensure you apply iPhone updates as soon as they are released by Apple. Meanwhile, Amnesty International has some helpful tips for those who may be targeted by spyware.
You can check your iPhone is up to date by going to your Settings > General > Software Update and downloading and installing the latest iOS software manually.
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