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Apple sends out threat notifications in 92 countries warning about spyware

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Apple sends out threat notifications in 92 countries warning about spyware

Recently, a small number of iPhone users in 92 countries received an unexpected notification from Apple. 

It was a stark warning that their devices might be under attack by mercenary spyware known for targeting specific individuals.

Threat notification from Apple. (Apple)

Apple’s warning: A call to vigilance

The notification was clear and alarming: “Apple detected a targeted mercenary spyware attack against your iPhone.” It urged users to take the threat seriously. When Apple identifies potential mercenary spyware activity, affected users are alerted through two distinct methods:

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  • Upon signing into appleid.apple.com, users will find a Threat Notification prominently displayed at the top of the webpage.
  • Additionally, Apple dispatches notifications via email and iMessage directly to the contact details linked to the user’s Apple ID.

Since 2021, Apple has regularly notified individuals through this program.

Threat notification sent by Apple. (Apple)

MORE: CHANGE THIS APPLE MUSIC SETTING ASAP TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY

Understanding Apple’s alert protocol for spyware threats

Mercenary spyware attacks are sophisticated and continuously evolving, backed by substantial funding. Apple’s approach to identifying these threats is rooted in its proprietary threat intelligence and investigative processes.

While absolute certainty in detection is unattainable, Apple’s threat notifications carry a high degree of confidence. They indicate that an individual has been specifically targeted by such an attack and warrants serious attention.

Apple does not disclose the specific triggers for these alerts to maintain the integrity of detection methods and prevent attackers from modifying their tactics.

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iPhone and Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: APPLE IS FIGHTING BACK AGAINST QUANTUM ATTACKS WITH NEW SECURITY SYSTEM FOR IMESSAGE

How to verify authentic threat notifications

It’s important to note that genuine Apple threat notifications will never solicit actions such as clicking links, downloading files, installing apps or profiles, or sharing your Apple ID credentials. The authenticity of a threat notification can be confirmed by signing into appleid.apple.com, where any legitimate alerts will be prominently displayed after login.

Woman holding iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

POLAND’S PROSECUTOR GENERAL SAYS PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT USED POWERFUL SPYWARE AGAINST HUNDREDS

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Next steps after receiving an Apple threat notification

If you receive an Apple threat notification, it is imperative to seek specialized assistance. The Digital Security Helpline by Access Now offers rapid-response emergency security support and is accessible 24/7 via its website. While external organizations are not privy to the reasons behind Apple’s issuance of a threat notification, they are equipped to provide personalized security guidance to those affected.

Woman on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Best security practices for all Apple users

By following these essential security practices, you can protect yourself against ever-evolving cyber threats.

1. Stay ahead of the game: Always update your devices to the latest software version to ensure you have the most recent security updates.

2. Lock it up tight: Secure your devices with a passcode to prevent unauthorized access.

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3. Double the defense: Enable two-factor authentication and use a strong password for your Apple ID to enhance account security.

4. Safe downloads only: Only install apps from the official App Store to avoid malicious software.

5. Password power play: To protect your personal information, create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

6. Think before you click: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources to prevent potential security breaches. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams.

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Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

For those who have not received a threat notification but suspect they might be targets of mercenary spyware, Apple’s Lockdown Mode offers an additional layer of protection. 

MORE: APPLE CRACKS DOWN ON IPHONE THIEVES WITH NEW SECURITY SETTING

Kurt’s key takeaways

The recent spyware alerts from Apple serve as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of digital threats. Apple’s Lockdown Mode and the company’s commitment to notifying affected users reflect a dedication to security in an age where cyber warfare is becoming increasingly personalized. As we navigate this digital battlefield, staying informed and prepared is our best defense.

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What measures should tech companies like Apple take to protect you from advanced mercenary spyware further? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Use this map to find the data centers in your backyard

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Use this map to find the data centers in your backyard

When Oregon resident Isabelle Reksopuro heard Google was gobbling up public land to fuel its data centers in her home state, she didn’t initially know what to believe. “There’s a lot of misinformation about data centers,” she said. “Google has denied taking that land.”

Technically, she explains, The Dalles, a city near the Washington state border, sought to reclaim that land, “and Google is just a big, unnamed power user.” The city had in fact asked for ownership of a 150-acre portion of Mount Hood National Forest, claiming it needs access to Mount Hood’s watershed to meet municipal needs as its population — 16,010 as of the 2020 census — grows. But critics, including environmentalists, say the city is trying to secure more water for Google, which has a sprawling data center campus in The Dalles that already consumes about one-third of the city’s water supply.

This controversy made Reksopuro curious about the backlash to data centers being built in other communities. So Reksopuro, a student at the University of Washington who studies the connections between tech and public policy, decided to map it out. Using information collected by Epoch AI and data scraped from legislation on data centers, she built an interactive map tracking AI policy around the world. She designed it to be simple enough for anyone to use. “I wanted it to be something that my younger sisters could play through and explore to understand what are the data centers in the area and what’s actually being done about it,” Reksopuro said. She hoped to shift their opinions that way, “instead of like, through TikTok.”

Four times a day, the map searches for new sources and checks them against the existing database Reksopuro built out. “Once it does that, it will write a new summary, add it to the news feed, and populate it on the sidebar,” she said. “I wanted it to be self-updating, since I’m also a student.”

Reksopuro isn’t against data centers, but she thinks tech giants benefit from a lack of transparency around data center policies. “Right now, it’s this really opaque thing — and all of a sudden, there’s a facility,” she said. “I think that if people knew about data centers beforehand, it would give them leverage. They would be able to negotiate: ask for job training programs, tax revenue, environmental monitoring, things to improve their community.”

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Fox News AI Newsletter: Graduation speaker praises AI, gets instantly booed

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Fox News AI Newsletter: Graduation speaker praises AI, gets instantly booed

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

 

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– UCF graduates clobber commencement speaker with boos after she says AI is the ‘next Industrial Revolution’

– OPINION: DIRECTOR KASH PATEL: We brought the FBI out of the past and into the AI age

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– OpenAI backs creation of global AI governance body led by the U.S. that would include China as a member

TOUGH CROWD: During a recent commencement ceremony at the University of Central Florida, a speaker was met with loud boos from the graduating class after declaring that artificial intelligence represents the next industrial revolution. Fox News Digital reporting captures this tense cultural moment, illustrating the mixed public sentiment and skepticism surrounding AI’s growing footprint in daily life.

A statue on the campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. (iStock)

BADGE MEETS BYTE: Reflecting on the modernization of national security in a Fox News op-ed, FBI Director Kash Patel explores how the bureau must adapt its strategies to address modern threats and advance beyond the artificial intelligence age.

TECH DIPLOMACY: OpenAI is throwing its support behind the establishment of a new global artificial intelligence governance organization that would be led by the United States while notably including China as a member. Fox News Digital reporting examines the geopolitical dynamics and regulatory implications of this proposed framework as global powers race to set the standards for AI development.

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EQUITY ELEVATION: The massive wave of wealth generated by the explosive growth of ChatGPT and the broader AI industry is driving a sudden surge in the San Francisco Bay Area’s luxury real estate market. Fox News Digital reporting breaks down how the influx of new tech capital is reshaping local housing dynamics and fueling a high-end property frenzy.

FBI Director Kash Patel listened as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke during a press conference at the Department of Justice on April 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

STRATEGY RESET: Tech giant Cisco is planning to eliminate thousands of jobs as the company shifts its primary focus to accelerate its artificial intelligence initiatives, a move that comes despite the company beating earnings expectations. Fox News Digital reporting details the corporate restructuring and broader economic trends pushing legacy tech firms to aggressively pivot toward AI.

ROAD HAZARD: Waymo is issuing a sweeping recall of its autonomous vehicle fleet following a concerning incident that highlighted significant safety issues with the self-driving technology. Fox News Digital reporting outlines the specifics of the recall, the nature of the safety flaw, and what this setback means for the future of fully autonomous transportation on public roads.

BOTS IN THE BAY: A newly developed, artificial intelligence-powered robot has been engineered to seamlessly change and balance vehicle tires without human intervention. Fox News Digital reporting showcases this latest innovation, exploring how automation and AI mechanics could soon revolutionize the automotive service and repair industry.

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the 2026 Infrastructure Summit in Washington, D.C., on March 11, 2026. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters)

 

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Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs

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Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs

Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.

In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.

Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.

You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.

Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”

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