The first race of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) took place on the Yas Marina Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 track today, and I’m pleased to report that a race both began and ended. But the event was not without strife — far from it. During qualifying time trials, the driverless Dallara Super Formula racers outfitted with cameras and software seemed to struggle mightily to complete a full lap.

During the trials, cars randomly juked:

Or just pulled off the track to take a little break:

You get well-acquainted with the interstitial music during these highlights. All praise to the patience and grace of the announcers, who didn’t sigh once that I heard. Instead, they declared things like that these cars are “pushing the boundaries of science.”

When it came time for the actual race, the lead racer, Polimove, spun out on the fourth of eight laps. The second car, Tum, passed it safely, but shortly after that, the event’s officials threw up a yellow flag. And since these are good AI drivers who obey the rules, the two behind Polimove stopped, unwilling to pass the spun-out yellow car. Racers aren’t supposed to pass each other during a caution lap, you see.

About an hour after the first lap of A2RL began, the AI racers completed their eight-lap race. If you must know, Tum won.

These are early days for autonomous racing, and surely things will get better eventually — certainly, they’ve come a long way since Roborace’s first full circuit in 2017. I’m looking forward to the day they’re as good as human racers (if that ever happens). But for right now, we’re very much still in the “congratulate baby for successfully getting most of its food into its mouth” phase of self-driving racers.

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.

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)

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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.

iPhone and Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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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)

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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.

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.

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. 

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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.

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

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I paid a lot of money for the privilege of getting an Apple Vision Pro brand-new in February. All-in, with optical inserts and taxes, I financed a little over $3,900 for the 256GB version of the headset. A day or so ago, I made a mistake that I’m sure many early adopters are familiar with: I looked up how much it’s been selling for on eBay.

On Wednesday, a 1TB Vision Pro, complete with all the included gear, Apple’s fluffy $200 travel case, $500 AppleCare Plus, and claimed to have been “worn maybe about an hour” sold for $3,200 after 21 bids. The listed shipping estimate was $20.30. Brand new, that combination is $5,007.03 on Apple’s site for me. Another eBay listing, this one with my headset’s configuration (but sans optical inserts) went for just $2,600 — again with most, if not all, of the included accessories. Several other 256GB and 512GB models sold for around that amount this week.

This, of course, is how the story goes for early adopters, especially when you’re buying very expensive tech before the mainstream catches on. Apple’s pricing doesn’t help matters, especially when the next closest competing headset — the Meta Quest 3 — is just $500. It’s a bummer even if they’re ultimately not all that comparable, at least in terms of their targeted audiences and goals for their platforms.

But it still stings, doesn’t it? Knowing I could have saved several hundred dollars and gotten the highest storage configuration, AppleCare Plus, and a storage case is particularly painful. I like the Vision Pro plenty — maybe more than any other writer at The Verge — but if I hadn’t missed the return window, I would send mine right back to Apple in a heartbeat just so I could get one of these deals. Thankfully, when I’m wearing the headset, nobody can see my tears.