What Is Mercenary Spyware? Why Apple Sent Threat Notifications to Users in 110 Countries
Apple has shared a notification to customers in multiple countries who they think have been targeted with spyware in their devices. The Cupertino based giant confirmed the same to many publications that it shared the notifications on Thursday to all the users who were targeted in around 110 countries.
Apple has shared a notification to customers in multiple countries who they think have been targeted with spyware in their devices. The Cupertino based giant confirmed the same to many publications that it shared the notifications on Thursday to all the users who were targeted in around 110 countries. With the alerts, the firm reminded users about one of the most sophisticated digital threats of the current times, mercenary spyware.
What Are Apple's Threat Notifications and Why Were They Sent?
Apple threat notifications are there to assist users who may have been individually targeted by spyware attacks, and this time it was for mercenary spyware.
These operations are highly advanced as compared to regular cybercrimes, and attackers deploy heavy resources to harm a group of people and their devices. Apple also said that these attacks cost millions of dollars to be conducted and run for a short period of time, which makes them almost untraceable. Apple Sends Spyware Attack Alerts to Users in 110 Countries, Here’s What the Warning Means.
Who Is Behind These Mercenary Spyware Attacks and Who Do They Target?
Citing cybersecurity researchers, journalists, and public reporting, Apple said that these attacks are connected to state actors, private firms, and more.
The targets of these kinds of attacks are high ticket individuals like journalists, politicians, activists, diplomats, and more. WhatsApp Scam Alert Feature: New Beta Feature Rolled Out by Platform To Detect Fraud; Know How It Works.
What Should Users Do If They Receive an Apple Threat Notification?
From the user point of view, if you ever get an Apple Threat Notification then you should turn on Lockdown Mode on your device and follow the steps provided by Apple.
The firm also recommends reaching out to expert organisations for help, like the Digital Security Helpline run by nonprofit Access Now.
How Can Users Protect Their Devices From Spyware Attacks?
Users can keep devices updated with the latest software so they are covered by the newest security patches, and protect them with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.
Furthermore, two factor authentication should be turned on with a strong password for your Apple Account, and Stolen Device Protection should be enabled for extra peace of mind.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2026 03:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
