iPhone users in 92 countries have been warned by Apple that their device could be the target of spyware.

“Apple has determined that you are the target of a mercenary spyware attack that is attempting to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID.” With this notification, Apple warns iPhone users when their device may be the target of spyware. According to TechCrunch, users from 92 countries would have seen this notification yesterday or today. It is unknown how many users are involved, but it appears to be a large-scale campaign.

Apple sends these notifications one at a time, so you’ll never just see them on your device. “This attack is likely specifically targeting you because of who you are or what you do. While it is never possible to have complete confidence in detecting such attacks, Apple feels strongly about this warning – so take it seriously.” Apple explains on its website.

mercenary

Apple deliberately does not communicate further about which virus is in circulation and who may be behind it because, according to its own statement, it does not want to help attackers avoid detection in the future. iPhones have been the target of espionage campaigns in the recent past. The purpose of this type of virus is to secretly collect data from the host device, such as who is being called and which applications or websites are opened most often.

The likelihood that you will be the target of a spyware attack is rather low because the victim is very deliberately selected. State actors are often behind such a campaign in order to keep an eye on political opponents and/or critical journalists. That’s most likely the case with this campaign, even though Apple is tactically saying that the spyware comes from “mercenaries.”

Are you potentially an interesting target for spyware? Then Apple recommends these preventive security measures, which should actually apply as basic rules for all smartphone users:

• Update your devices to the latest software version
• 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
• Do not click on links or attachments from unknown senders