Buying Apple devices means relying on certain guarantees regarding our security. However, there is no bug-free software. Apple has once again sent out notifications to warn users about the potential dangers of spyware. The list includes more than 150 countries where certain users received warnings, according to Apple. Malware developed by NSO group Pegasus is mainly responsible.

150 countries are on alert. Apple notified users in 92 countries via iMessage last Wednesday. Although the countries from which the messages were received are not disclosed, the support page states that there are more than 150 countries where users received warnings after this notification.

This is something reflected on Apple’s own support page, where the company states that “we notify users when we detect activity consistent with a paid spyware attack.” In other words, only users who are most likely under attack are notified.

Two ways to report. Apple has two methods to notify users about these potential attacks. The first of these is via a notification on the Apple ID page. This page informs us that we have received two messages under the name “Threat notification”.

These two messages are distributed between Apple’s Mail app and iMessage. For both alternatives, we will receive an email explaining the possible risks of the attack and recommendations to follow.

What is Apple warning us about?. Apple only sends these notifications when we are attacked by malware like Pegasus that focuses on prominent profiles in certain states, such as journalists, politicians, government officials, and others.

They warn that our phone may be under an attack that could allow remote control of the device, access to the microphone, camera, applications and personal accounts.

What solutions does Apple offer?. In the email, Apple invites us to always keep our iPhone updated to the latest version, as this version comes with the latest security patches.

It also recommends enabling isolation mode, an “optional and extreme” protection measure that should only be used if you suspect you’re the target of a very sophisticated cyber attack.

Certain applications, websites and device functions are “strictly” limited when we use this mode. These include messaging app blocking previews and links, web browsing is restricted, FaceTime blocks incoming calls if the user has not called the contact before, etc.

Although the warning was sent to profiles in many countries, it is unlikely that normal users will receive a notification of this magnitude.

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