• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Major iPhone warnings sent across 92 countries and they should be taken seriously

Home> News> Technology

Published 09:10 12 Apr 2024 GMT+1

Major iPhone warnings sent across 92 countries and they should be taken seriously

You really need to pay attention if you've had it

Tom Earnshaw

Tom Earnshaw

Apple has issued countless warnings across its iPhone devices after users worldwide were told they were being targeted in a 'mercenary spyware attack'.

Notifications were sent out across the globe, with iPhones in 92 countries on the receiving end of the security alerts issued by the Silicon Valley tech giant.

It's not the first and definitely wont be the last time security alerts are issued by tech behemoths such as Apple.

Earlier this month, the company alerted iPhone users to a new 'push bombing' scam that was targeting those with the smartphone.

Android phone owners are also at risk, with sinister apps posing as legitimate security systems to steal all your cash.

Advert

Even WhatsApp users across any device aren't safe, so you really do need to have your wits about you when it comes to living in the modern age.

In this new alert from Apple, the company warned iPhone users over mercenary spyware attacks.

What is a mercenary spyware attack?

Those who fall victim to this could have their phones hacked remotely from a cybercriminal anywhere in the world. From there, they could track every touch of the screen you make (and therefore know your most sensitive passwords), access your camera, and even your microphone.

Terrifying.

Advert

In a threat notification email sent from the company that was seen by CNET, Apple wrote: "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack.

Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal your information (Getty Stock Images)
Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal your information (Getty Stock Images)

"This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do.

"If your device is compromised by a targeted mercenary spyware attack, the attacker may be able to remotely access your sensitive data, communications, or even the camera and microphone."

Issues in India were the first reported, with the other 91 countries impacted at this stage currently unclear.

What has Apple said?

Issuing advice on the threat, Apple said: "Apple threat notifications are designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, likely because of who they are or what they do.

Advert

"Such attacks are vastly more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware, as mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices.

"Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent. The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks."

Be vigilant if you have an iPhone (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Be vigilant if you have an iPhone (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

How to know if you've been a victim of a mercenary spyware attack

If Apple detects activity consistent with a mercenary spyware attack, the company says it will notify the targeted users in two ways:

  • A Threat Notification is displayed at the top of the page after the user signs into appleid.apple.com.
  • Apple sends an email and iMessage notification to the email addresses and phone numbers associated with the user’s Apple ID.

These notifications provide additional steps that notified users can take to help protect their devices, including enabling Lockdown Mode.

Advert

Two factor authentication is so important in the modern age (Getty Stock Images)
Two factor authentication is so important in the modern age (Getty Stock Images)

How can you protect your iPhone?

Apple has issued a six point bulletin on the best ways to protect your device from the threat of malware and rogue cyber attacks.

It says:

  • Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes
  • Protect devices with a passcode
  • Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID
  • Install apps from the App Store
  • Use strong and unique passwords online
  • Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders
Featured Image Credit: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images/Getty Stock Images

Topics: iPhone, Phones, Technology, Crime, Apple, World News, UK News, US News

Tom Earnshaw
Tom Earnshaw

Tom joined LADbible Group in 2024, currently working as SEO Lead across all brands including LADbible, UNILAD, SPORTbible, Tyla, UNILAD Tech, and GAMINGbible. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

X

@TREarnshaw

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
  • Getty/artiemedvedGetty/artiemedved
    an hour ago

    You should never pop a spot in the 'triangle of death' for terrifying reason

    We've all been guilty of doing this before...

    News
  • Cheng Xin/Getty ImagesCheng Xin/Getty Images
    an hour ago

    HSBC compensation rights as banking app goes down and payments decline

    HSBC has apologised to customers after its online banking and app went down

    News
  • Kennedy News and MediaKennedy News and Media
    an hour ago

    Teenager has huge hole burned into her head by hairdresser who still asks her to pay

    The 18-year-old suffered first-degree burns while getting her hair dyed

    News
  • XX
    an hour ago

    Tommy Robinson will not face charges over alleged assault at London Tube station

    The controversial activist, real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will not face any charges

    News
  • Brits warned about iPhone settings they should immediately change after upgrading to iOS 18
  • How every iPhone owner in the UK could be paid out following £3,000,000,000 claim against Apple
  • Apple introduces gamechanging iOS upgrade for iPhone that’ll save you loads of time
  • All UK iPhone users who owned certain models could be paid share of £853m