Apple warns 110 countries of 'mercenary spyware' attacks

Apple has issued a rare security warning to users across 110 countries, alerting them to sophisticated attacks by "mercenary spyware." This notification is not a general advisory but is specifically triggered when Apple detects credible threats targeting individual accounts.

The tech giant confirmed sending the "threat notifications" on February 13th to affected users. While Apple did not disclose the exact number of recipients or the specific countries involved, the alert indicates a significant and targeted cyber espionage campaign. The warning appears on the lock screen and within device settings, directly informing users that their iPhone is a potential target and advising them on protective measures.

This heightened security alert signifies Apple's commitment to user protection against advanced threats. The company has reportedly enhanced its threat detection capabilities, enabling it to identify and notify users of such high-stakes attacks. The nature of "mercenary spyware" suggests state-sponsored or highly organized malicious actors aiming to compromise specific individuals' devices and data.