Apple Notifies Selected iPhone Owners of Targeted Spyware Attacks
Apple has begun sending notifications to users about targeted attacks involving spyware, reportedly purchased by government agencies. According to journalist Ciro Pellegrino, he received the alert via both email and SMS. The message stated that he had become the target of an attack related to his identity or professional activities. It also mentioned that similar notifications were sent to affected users in 100 countries worldwide.
The second person to confirm receiving such a notification was Dutch human rights activist and public figure Eva Vlaardingerbroek. In her video statement, she showed a screenshot of Apple’s warning, which referred to a “targeted mercenary spyware attack” and emphasized that the company had a “high degree of confidence” in the credibility of the alert, urging her to take it seriously. Vlaardingerbroek interpreted the notification as an attempt at intimidation and pressure.
Apple also recommended that victims of such attacks contact a specialized nonprofit organization that investigates cyber espionage. While the notification did not specify the organization by name, Apple has previously referred affected users to groups like Citizen Lab.
As of publication, only two people—Pellegrino and Vlaardingerbroek—had reported receiving these notifications. Apple has not clarified which specific spyware campaign was behind the attack and did not respond to journalists’ inquiries. Similar incidents occurred last year, when Apple twice sent notifications to users in dozens of countries without disclosing details about the attacking software.
Other Tech Companies Issue Similar Warnings
Other technology companies also send such warnings. WhatsApp and Google periodically notify users if they have become victims of spyware attacks. In February, WhatsApp informed Pellegrino’s colleague, Francesco Cancellato, that his device had been targeted using a tool developed by the Israeli company Paragon Solutions. At the same time, it was revealed that employees of the Italian humanitarian organization Mediterranea Saving Humans were also attacked. According to media reports, Paragon later ceased cooperation with its client in Italy.
It remains unclear whether Apple’s new notification is related to the same company or is part of another, undisclosed campaign. However, the scale of the notifications—reaching users in 100 countries—indicates ongoing activity in the mercenary digital espionage market.