Since 2021, Apple has sent threat notifications multiple times a year, notifying users in over 150 countries. AFP
Since 2021, Apple has sent threat notifications multiple times a year, notifying users in over 150 countries. AFP
Since 2021, Apple has sent threat notifications multiple times a year, notifying users in over 150 countries. AFP
Since 2021, Apple has sent threat notifications multiple times a year, notifying users in over 150 countries. AFP

Future

Technology

Apple sends out iPhone spyware warnings in 92 countries: What you need to know

The company said the attacks often select journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats

Alkesh Sharma
Alkesh Sharma

April 12, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

Apple has issued threat notifications to users in about 92 countries, alerting them to potential spyware attacks by mercenary groups, which could lead to iPhone hacks.

The iPhone manufacturer said the specific victims are selected for attack possibly because of who they are or what they do.

The company said its threat notifications are “high-confidence alerts” that a user has been individually chosen by a mercenary spyware attack, and should be taken very seriously.

The National looks at Apple’s latest warning and explores the severity of an attack.

What does Apple warning say?

In its warning, Apple clearly said the mercenary spyware attack is trying to remotely compromise the victim’s iPhone.

However, Apple did not divulge many details as it could alert the culprits and allow them to pivot the nature of the attack.

“We are unable to provide more information about what caused us to send you this notification, as that may help mercenary spyware attackers adapt their behaviour to evade detection in the future,” Apple said.

Apple has issued a new spyware warning to iPhone users in 92 countries, after it found they had been targeted in attacks. Reuters
Apple has issued a new spyware warning to iPhone users in 92 countries, after it found they had been targeted in attacks. Reuters

“While Apple has not disclosed many details about the attack, it is reasonable to assume this targeted breach is an identity based attack aimed to steal credentials and further their lateral movement into a user's electronic ecosystem,” Morey Haber, chief security adviser at technology firm BeyondTrust, told The National.

“The initial stages of such attacks are usually so targeted and personal that victims believe them and they are easily convinced to engage out of fear, desperation, or some other emotion based on the contents.”

Why mercenary spyware attacks are hard to detect?

Mercenary spyware attacks are usually backed by substantial funding, and they keep evolving over the time making it hard for security personnel to detect them at early stages, according to cyber experts.

In this case, the Cupertino-based company solely relied on internal threat-intelligence information and investigations to detect such attacks.

It said these attacks are more complex than regular cybercriminal activities and consumer malwares. Attackers use high-end technology and resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices rather than launching a mass attack.

“Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent,” Apple said.

Who are the potential victims?

Apple said mercenary spyware attacks often target selective high-profile individuals such as journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats. They are orchestrated by various entities, including private companies developing mercenary spyware on their behalf.

In its detailed threat update, Apple gave the example of Israeli cyber intelligence firm NSO Group that developed Pegasus spyware for spying on mobile phones and harvesting their data.

Since 2021, Apple has sent such threat notifications multiple times a year, notifying users in over 150 countries. However, it refrained from attributing them to any particular state actor or region.

“The extreme cost, sophistication, and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today. As a result, Apple does not attribute the attacks or resulting threat notifications to any specific attackers or geographical regions.”

How is Apple informing users?

Affected users are informed through email or iMessage using the details linked with the user's Apple ID. A notification is also displayed at the top of the page after the user signs into appleid.apple.com.

The notifications also provide additional steps that notified users can take to help protect their devices, including enabling lockdown mode.

What to do if you have received an Apple threat notification

Apple recommended the victims to immediately contact security experts at digital security helpline at the non-profit Access Now. They can contact them 24 hours a day, seven days a week through their website.

Outside organisations do not have any information about what caused Apple to send a threat notification, but they can assist targeted users with tailored security advice, the company said.

Why Apple removed 'state-sponsored' with 'mercenary spyware attacks'

Previously labelled as “state-sponsored”, Apple has now replaced all such mentions with “mercenary spyware attacks” when describing the perpetrators.

Apple's removal of the term state-sponsored comes after it repeatedly faced pressure from the Indian government on linking such breaches to state actors, reported Reuters.

India's opposition leaders have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of attempting to compromise into their mobile phones following Apple's messages in October that warned of “state-sponsored” attacks.

Why are criminals targeting mobile devices?

For threat actors looking to target high-profile individuals, mobile devices have become one of the most vulnerable targets to compromise, industry analysts said.

Apple’s latest action of informing users that their devices may have been targeted is concerning but encouraging to see them taking measures to protect potentially impacted individual, Scott Caveza, staff research engineer at cyber security firm Tenable, told The National.

“Mobile device exploits can fetch millions of dollars … with millions of dollars at play, one thing is certain, data is key and attackers, including nation states, are willing to invest heavily for exploits that can be used against high value targets and individuals."

Tips for all users to safeguard their iPhone

  • Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes
  • Protect devices with a passcode
  • Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID
  • Install apps only from the App Store
  • Use strong and unique passwords online
  • Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders
Apple unveiled its first Macintosh computer on January 24, 1984. AFP
Apple unveiled its first Macintosh computer on January 24, 1984. AFP
Macintosh – an intuitive personal computer known as the Mac – transformed the landscape of mass-market computing with its revolutionary graphical user interface (GUI), catchy icons and a mouse. Photo: Bonhams
Macintosh – an intuitive personal computer known as the Mac – transformed the landscape of mass-market computing with its revolutionary graphical user interface (GUI), catchy icons and a mouse. Photo: Bonhams
Chief executive Tim Cook is blown away as he is shown an original Macintosh SE computer at the opening of Mumbai's first Apple Store in April 2023. AFP
Chief executive Tim Cook is blown away as he is shown an original Macintosh SE computer at the opening of Mumbai's first Apple Store in April 2023. AFP
The Apple II, which predates the Mac, was a successful product for the tech company. AFP
The Apple II, which predates the Mac, was a successful product for the tech company. AFP
Computers from various generations on display at an Apple Museum in Warsaw. AFP
Computers from various generations on display at an Apple Museum in Warsaw. AFP
Apple's then-interim chief executive Steve Jobs unveils the iMac, based on the PowerPC G3 processor, in 1998. AFP
Apple's then-interim chief executive Steve Jobs unveils the iMac, based on the PowerPC G3 processor, in 1998. AFP
Mr Jobs holds a new 12-inch Apple G4 Powerbook laptop computer, left, and a G4 Powerbook after addressing the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco, 2003. Reuters
Mr Jobs holds a new 12-inch Apple G4 Powerbook laptop computer, left, and a G4 Powerbook after addressing the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco, 2003. Reuters
The new MacBook Pro laptop launched in 2016 included an upgraded retina display. Bloomberg
The new MacBook Pro laptop launched in 2016 included an upgraded retina display. Bloomberg
Apple chief executive Tim Cook presents new products, including Macbook laptops, at a special event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in October 2018. AFP
Apple chief executive Tim Cook presents new products, including Macbook laptops, at a special event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in October 2018. AFP
The MacBook Air is unveiled at the Apple Worldwide Developers' Conference at Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California in June 2022. Bloomberg
The MacBook Air is unveiled at the Apple Worldwide Developers' Conference at Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California in June 2022. Bloomberg
Mac computers on display at the Apple Store in Yas Island. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
Mac computers on display at the Apple Store in Yas Island. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm

Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm

Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

RESULTS

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Winner Pharoah King, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

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Winner Sauternes Al Maury, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson

Dubai Rugby Sevens

November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai

Gulf Under 19

Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy

Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2

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Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School

Reputation

Taylor Swift

(Big Machine Records)

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
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UAE squad

Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.

UAE tour of Zimbabwe

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I

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Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan

 

Rating: 4/5

 

Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):

1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop

2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia -  £25m: Flop

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6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar -  £18m: Flop

7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers -  £18m: Flop

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9). Paulinho - Corinthians -  £16m: Flop

10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham -  £16m: Success

UAE tour of the Netherlands

UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures:
Monday, 1st 50-over match
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match

Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
On Women's Day
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio

Battery: 8200mAh, up to 10 hours video

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  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Normcore explained

Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.

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Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Updated: April 12, 2024, 9:49 AM`
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