Apple spyware warnings should never be dismissed. If a push notification from Apple appears on your iPhone, it could be the only indication that a mercenary spyware attack has been directed at you.
In a post published this week, Apple explained that mercenary spyware attacks are “more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity” because attackers focus on specific individuals and their devices, making the intrusions harder to detect and prevent.
What Apple’s spyware alerts mean
If you receive one of these notifications, it is highly likely that you have been targeted. Apple has detailed what to expect from its threat notifications and the steps you should take in response.
“Apple threat notifications are designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, likely because of who they are or what they do,” the company said. Not everyone is a target, however.
These attacks are generally used by state-level actors to target politicians, activists and journalists, meaning most people do not need to be concerned. In 2024, Apple issued similar alerts to people across 92 countries following a comparable mercenary spyware campaign.
What to do if you are targeted
If Apple detects that you have been affected, an Apple Threat Notification will appear on your lock screen and in your settings, accompanied by an email sent to the addresses linked to your Apple account. You will also see a threat notification at the top of your account page when signing in at account.apple.com.
Should you receive these alerts, treat them seriously. Apple recommends turning on Lockdown Mode immediately through your iPhone’s settings. The company also suggests contacting experts for emergency assistance via the 24/7 Digital Security Helpline.
“We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help mercenary spyware attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future,” Apple said.
Everyday protections for all users
Even those who are not targeted are advised to download the latest available software update, which includes the most recent security fixes to help keep a device protected. For additional safety, users should be cautious of unknown links, use a passcode, Touch ID or Face ID on their device, and enable multifactor authentication.
In 2024, Apple’s alerts reached individuals in 92 countries as part of its ongoing effort to notify those who may have been individually targeted.
