According to various media reports, Apple has cautioned its users in India and 91 other nations about a potential attack by “mercenary spyware.” This spyware, akin to NSO Group’s Peagusus, is described by Apple as “extremely rare” and “considerably more advanced” than typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware. The tech giant outlined that such attacks require significant financial investment and are typically aimed at a small number of individuals.
In a threat notification, Apple informed users that their iPhones may be targeted by this sophisticated spyware attempting remote access. The notification emphasized that individuals are likely singled out based on their identity or profession. While Apple cannot guarantee absolute certainty in detecting such attacks, it urged users to take the warning seriously.
Furthermore, Apple advised users to exercise caution when dealing with links or attachments from unknown sources. However, the company refrained from divulging further details about the spyware, citing concerns that this information could aid attackers in evading detection in the future.
Apple makes update to support page after ‘Mercenary Spyware’ warning:
Apple recently updated its support page, offering guidance to users who suspect they may have fallen victim to a potential mercenary spyware attack. According to the updated page, these attacks are significantly more intricate than typical cybercriminal activities and consumer malware.
Mercenary spyware attackers dedicate substantial resources to target a select few individuals and their devices. These attacks are costly, often costing millions of dollars, and typically have a limited lifespan, making detection and prevention more challenging. It’s important to note that the vast majority of users are unlikely to be targeted by such sophisticated attacks.