New Delhi, August 17: An unusually large number of Apple users have reported receiving threat notifications warning them of suspected spyware attacks, according to cybersecurity experts who investigate such incidents, TechCrunch reported.
Apple sent a new batch of notifications on Friday to customers in 110 countries, warning that their devices may have been targeted with sophisticated spyware. Several users reported receiving the alerts over the weekend, with some saying they had received similar warnings in the past.
Apple periodically sends such notifications to users it believes may have been targeted or compromised by malware, often linked to government-backed surveillance. The company refers to this type of software as “mercenary spyware” and says it has notified users in more than 150 countries in recent years.
The latest round appears to be the largest so far, according to Access Now, a digital rights organisation that Apple recommends to users seeking assistance with spyware attacks.
Mohammed Al-Maskati, who heads Access Now’s investigations team, told TechCrunch that the organisation has received a record number of requests for help since Friday. He said the volume was 30% to 40% higher than what the group typically sees following an Apple notification campaign.
Cybersecurity firm iVerify also told TechCrunch that it had seen a significant increase in Apple threat notifications.
