Apple Issues New Warning: Spyware Targeting iPhones

Apple Issues New Warning: Spyware Targeting iPhones

Global Threat Notifications Sent to iPhone Users

Apple has issued a new round of cyber threat notifications to users in at least 80 countries, alerting them that their iPhones may have been targeted with sophisticated spyware. The company confirmed that, to date, it has warned users in more than 150 countries, underscoring how widespread these attacks have become.

This alert coincides with a similar warning from Google about the rapid evolution of mercenary spyware vendors and their ability to bypass global restrictions.

Why Spyware Is So Dangerous

Modern spyware is not ordinary malware. It is designed to penetrate the most secure devices on Earth — including iPhones — using zero-click exploits that require no user interaction.

Once installed, spyware can:

• Read encrypted messages (WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal)

• Monitor calls and communications

• Activate your microphone and camera

• Track your location

• Access files, passwords, and personal data

Security researchers describe these tools as digital weapons, often used against journalists, executives, political targets, and high-value individuals.

Google’s Warning: Mercenary Spyware Is Thriving

Google Threat Intelligence researchers recently exposed new activity from Intellexa, the vendor behind the “Predator” spyware suite. Despite U.S. sanctions, Intellexa has:

• Evaded restrictions

• Sold spyware to the highest bidders

• Targeted hundreds of users across multiple countries

• Continued acquiring and developing zero-day exploits

Their campaigns have hit victims in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and more.

Google’s report makes it clear:

Spyware vendors innovate faster than defenders can patch.

How to Know if You’re at Risk

Apple emphasizes that these attacks target a small subset of users, typically:

• Journalists

• Executives

• Government employees

• Political activists

• Businesses in sensitive sectors

While most users are not targeted, those who are must act immediately.

Possible signs of spyware infection include:

• Overheating

• Severe lag or battery drain

• Unexpected apps appearing

• Random restarts

• High data usage

• Strange microphone or camera behavior

Turning the device off and back on may disrupt the spyware temporarily — but not remove it.

What You Should Do Now

Whether or not you’ve received a threat notification, the following steps reduce risk significantly:

1. Update iOS immediately

Zero-click vulnerabilities rely on unpatched software.

2. Enable Apple’s Lockdown Mode

This mode blocks exploit paths used in spyware campaigns.

3. Use third-party detection tools

Apps like iVerify help identify signs of compromise.

4. Monitor for unusual device behavior

Small changes can indicate a serious issue.

5. Treat unexpected calls, links, or attachments as threats

Spyware campaigns often combine zero-click exploits with targeted phishing.

The Provocative Takeaway

Spyware is no longer a theoretical risk — it is a global, industry-backed threat targeting the most secure mobile ecosystem in the world.

Apple’s warnings will happen again.

The question is not if, but whether users will be prepared when it does.

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