Apple warns users about possible mercenary spyware targeting

Technology · First reported 2 Nov, 17:32 · Updated 17:52

Apple issued threat notifications to users in multiple countries, warning they may have been targeted by mercenary spyware. The reports differ on the number of recipients and describe an investigation in Germany; Apple has not identified the attackers or confirmed device compromise.

Apple warned users in 99 countries, according to one report; another says Apple confirmed notifications to selected users in 110 countries.
German lawmakers and officials reportedly received alerts, and Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security issued an urgent warning as the government investigated.
Apple has not publicly identified those behind the attacks or confirmed that devices were compromised; it recommends Lockdown Mode and keeping devices updated.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Notification reach: 99 countries in the centre account; 110 countries in the unrated report’s account of Apple’s confirmation.
Germany: The Federal Office for Information Security issued an urgent warning after officials reportedly received alerts.
Apple’s stated position: Apple did not identify the threat actors or confirm whether devices were compromised.
Recommendations: Apple advises users facing targeted attacks to enable Lockdown Mode; it also recommends keeping devices up to date.