Apple has recently warned users in India and 91 other countries about a mercenary spyware attack on their iPhones. They warned that their devices may have been targeted by a dangerous spyware known as Pegasus, made by the NSO Group from Israel. This spyware is particularly concerning because it can secretly take control of someone’s iPhone without their knowledge.
Apple hasn’t pointed fingers at anyone specific for these attacks. However, this isn’t the first time they’ve issued such warnings. Last October, they notified leaders from different political parties in India, like Shashi Tharoor from Congress, Raghav Chadha from AAP, and Mahua Moitra from TMC, about potential state-sponsored spyware attacks on their iPhones.
The company warned that these types of spyware attacks, known as “mercenary spyware attacks,” are not common and are much more advanced than regular cybercriminal activities or malware. This highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for users to take immediate action to protect their devices and personal information.
Apple Alerts Users in India of Mercenary Spyware Attack
Apple recently sent out warnings to users in India and other countries about a serious threat to their iPhones. The company clarified that it doesn’t blame any specific government for these threats, following pressure from authorities.
The emails were sent out around 12:30 am IST on Thursday, but it’s unclear how many people received them. Apple mentioned the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, highlighting its global impact. The email informed users that their iPhones were under attack by dangerous spyware aiming to take control remotely. It emphasized the seriousness of the situation and urged users to take it seriously, as they could be targeted because of who they are or what they do.
Apple Warns Users About Rare and Sophisticated Spyware Threat
Apple has cautioned users about the seriousness of mercenary spyware attacks, particularly those using tools like Pegasus from the NSO Group. These attacks are exceptionally rare and sophisticated, costing millions of dollars and targeting a very small number of individuals globally.
The company urged users to be cautious with all links they receive, especially from unexpected or unknown senders, advising against opening any attachments or links. While Apple couldn’t provide more details about the threat notification, they explained that sharing such information could help spyware attackers evade detection in the future. This highlights the ongoing challenge in combating these advanced threats.
Apple Provides Support for Users Targeted
Apple has updated its support page to offer tips for users who the recent mercenary spyware attack may have targeted. The company stated that these threat notifications aim to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted due to their identity or activities.
Since 2021, Apple has been sending out these notifications, reaching individuals in 150 countries. Last year, at least 20 iPhone users in India received such notifications. However, investigations into similar issues in the past have faced challenges. In 2021, the Supreme Court formed a committee of technical experts to investigate allegations of unauthorized surveillance using the Pegasus software from the NSO Group, an Israeli firm.
Pegasus Controversy Investigation
The Pegasus controversy arose when media reports suggested the illegal use of the software to tap the phones of activists, journalists, and politicians. This led to petitions being filed in the Supreme Court, seeking an inquiry into these allegations.
In August 2022, a committee of technical experts investigated the matter but found no conclusive evidence of spyware use in the phones they examined. However, they noted that the Central Government did not cooperate with the panel, adding complexity to the investigation.
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