Apple has warned users in several countries that they may be the target of a paid spyware attack. The alert was issued to iPhone owners in 92 countries and the company did not attribute the attacks to specific groups or list the countries where users were alerted. Meanwhile, the iPhone maker has also updated its support document to explain how these threat notifications work, along with information for users who may be the target of paid spyware attacks.

The company has warned users in 92 countries that their iPhones may be targeted by paid spyware. “Apple has discovered that you are being subjected to a mercenary spyware attack that is attempting to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-,” the company said on April 10. said in an email sent to users at 12pm PT (12:30am IST on Thursday) spotted by Gadgets360.

The email warns users to take the warning seriously, and adds that Apple has “high confidence” in the warning — though it’s never possible to be absolutely sure when such attacks are detected. Apple’s email also said it has notified users in 150 countries to date, and that the company has identified targeted spyware attacks — including specific attackers using software such as Pegasus, developed by NSO Group. or does not attribute to geographical areas.

Apple advises users who received the threat notification email to enable Lockdown Mode on their iPhones – a special mode that reduces the path of spyware attacks by disabling several features. . Users are also advised to update to iOS 17.4.1 and keep other devices, messaging and cloud apps updated. Apple also advises users targeted by spyware for hire to seek expert guidance.

An example of a threat notification displayed on the Apple ID website
Photo credit: Apple

The company also updated it. Support document Wednesday regarding threat notifications, explaining how these for-hire spyware attacks work. Once the company detects activity that is consistent with a for-hire attack, it sends users an email and iMessage notification to the email and phone numbers associated with their Apple ID, respectively. Users who sign in to the Apple ID website will also see a threat notification banner at the top of the page, according to the support document.

Apple’s threat notifications support page also tells users that Apple’s threat notifications prevent users from ever clicking on links, opening files, installing apps, and entering their Apple ID password or verification code by phone or email. does not ask to send via, to protect them from fake emails. From Apple – The latest vulnerability notification does not include clickable links and asks users to type addresses separated by spaces.