Did you get an Apple threat alert today? These notifications are meant to help you in case you've been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, and Apple just sent one to 110 countries worldwide.
Apple sends threat notifications to 110 countries
Speaking to our colleagues at TechCrunch, Apple said that it sent out the alert on Thursday to users that have been targeted in 110 countries. The number of people affected or specifics about the attacking entities were not shared.
The threat notification itself reads, "Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and device.”
Here's what the threat notification looks like in settings and on your lock screen. | Image by Apple
Apple also sends emails to all affected users and displays a threat notification banner at the top of the user’s Apple Account page after they sign in.
Notifications create a critical signal that a community is being targeted. People get an alert, and then some of them reach out and seek help. Often this kicks off an investigation that reveals many, many more cases.
- John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at digital research group Citizen Lab
What to do if you've received a threat notification?
The threat alert on a Mac. | Image by Apple
First of all, receiving a threat notification doesn't mean that you've been hacked or compromised. It means you might've been targeted. However, these notifications should be taken seriously.
We strongly suggest notified users enlist expert help, such as the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the nonprofit Access Now. Recipients of Apple threat notifications can contact the Digital Security Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week through their website.
- Apple official support page
No need to panic, though. People normally targeted by these attacks are high-profile government officials, activists, journalists, military, or law enforcement. As TechCrunch points out, the chance of a random civilian being targeted is close to zero, as launching a cyber attack can be expensive. Reddit paints a different picture, though.
Have you received a threat notification on your Apple device?
People are getting these notifications on Reddit
Concerned users report receiving the notifications. | Images by Reddit
Even though the chance is close to zero, as we stated above, it turns out it's not zero. There are several threats on Reddit, where scared Apple users report getting the notification.
One user posted a thread on behalf of a friend, saying "This alert popped up everywhere on my friends phone and they don’t know what to do. Posting for them cause they are rather concerned and don’t wanna use their phone at all."
This alert popped up everywhere on my friends phone and they don’t know what to do. Posting for them cause they are rather concerned and don’t wanna use their phone at all.
- Reddit user Flaky_Rice_4674
The Reddit OG poster shared further down the comments that their friend is not a high-profile official of any kind and "literally spends their days chilling at home playing fortnite and chillin with their dog."
I can confidently say that my friend is most definitely not anyone of that kind and literally spends their days chilling at home playing fortnite and chillin with their dog.
- Reddit user Flaky_Rice_4674
Another concerned user reported getting the notification and putting their phone in Lockdown mode afterward. People are suggesting a full phone reset in the comments under that specific post. Turns out these notifications are not as rare as one might think. There are some tips to help you stay safe, though.
General smartphone security good practices
In order to protect yourself and avoid further complications, there are a few rules you should always remember. Here's a quick rundown:
Update your devices to the latest software, which includes the latest security fixes.
Protect your devices with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.
Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for your Apple Account.
Turn on Stolen Device Protection.
Install apps from the App Store.
Use strong and unique passwords online — and passkeys where available.
Don’t open links or attachments from unknown senders.
Have you received a threat notification on your Apple device? Share your experience in the comment section below. Stay safe out there!
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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