Apple has issued new cyber threat warnings to users in 84 countries, alerting them that their devices may have been targeted by state-sponsored hackers.
The alerts are part of the company’s ongoing effort to protect users from sophisticated digital surveillance and espionage.
The notifications were reportedly first sent on December 2, as Apple continues to notify users when its security team identifies high-risk threats.
These warnings are aimed at a small, specific group of users, including journalists, human rights activists, politicians, and diplomats, who are considered at extreme risk due to their public profile or geopolitical significance.
Targeted Threats and Sophisticated Hacks
The attacks highlighted by Apple often involve highly advanced techniques, such as zero-click exploits. These types of attacks are expensive to develop and rarely used against the general public.
Apple has not disclosed the number of users affected or the specific actors behind the hacking attempts. The company said withholding details helps prevent hackers from adjusting their methods and protects the privacy of those targeted.
Since the launch of its notification system, Apple has now alerted users in over 150 countries, showing the global scale of state-sponsored cyber espionage.
Industry Response and Protection Measures
Apple’s warnings follow a wider trend among major tech companies. Google, owned by Alphabet, has recently issued similar alerts to its users. Digital watchdog groups say these notifications are often the first step in investigations that can lead to accountability for the misuse of commercial spyware.
Past rounds of alerts have drawn international attention. For example, the European Union investigated cases where senior officials were targeted by commercial spyware after receiving alerts.
For those who receive a warning, Apple recommends immediate protective steps, such as enabling Lockdown Mode on iPhones. This feature provides enhanced security for users facing targeted threats.
Apple also stresses that official threat notifications will appear only when signing in to an Apple ID account and will never ask users to click a link or install software.