Tech
Apple Warns of Pegasus-Like ‘Mercenary Spyware’ Targeting iOS Users: Report
Cupertino: Apple has issued a warning to its users in India and 91 other countries about a possible attack by “mercenary spyware” on their devices. According to a report from The Economic Times, Apple discovered efforts to illegally access iPhones through sophisticated spyware methods. These types of attacks are not common and are more advanced than the usual cyber threats or malware that consumers might face.
Similar to the Infamous Pegasus from NSO Group.
Apple’s recent alert talks about the dangers of mercenary spyware, like the infamous Pegasus from NSO Group, highlighting its complexity and rarity. The company’s warning email stated that the spyware aims to secretly infiltrate iPhones linked to specific Apple IDs. Apple emphasized the seriousness of this issue, suggesting that the attackers are selecting their targets based on their identity or profession.
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Advice for those who might be targeted by this spyware.
In response to the threat, Apple has updated its support page with advice for those who might be targeted by this spyware. The company has started sending out these threat notifications to help and guide affected users. This isn’t the first time Apple has sent out such warnings. In October 2023, a similar alert was distributed to users in various countries, including India, cautioning them about potential state-sponsored attacks on their devices.
CERT-In had issued a warning.
CERT-In, India’s national cybersecurity watchdog, recently issued a high-risk warning about vulnerabilities in Apple products. These vulnerabilities could allow attackers to access sensitive information, execute unauthorized code, bypass security measures, and perform spoofing attacks on targeted systems. This advisory covers a range of Apple devices and software, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and the Safari browser
How to secure your Device?
- Secure Your Connection: Always use secure and private Wi-Fi networks to prevent unauthorized access.
- Enhance Login Security: Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection for your credentials.
- Safe Downloads: Only install apps and software from trusted sources, such as the Apple App Store, to reduce malware risks.
- Backup Regularly: Consistently backup your important data to protect against potential data loss due to security incidents or system malfunctions.