More people in 98 nations are being warned about phone hacks by Apple.

Apple has warned users about a spyware attack against iPhones
Apple has issued a new warning about the possible threat of spyware to iPhone users. It is asking them to take this very seriously. Apple announced in 2021 that it would send alerts to iPhone owners that it believed were the target of state-sponsored spyware or malware attacks. Since then, Apple has issued warnings on occasion, such as April 2024, when users in 92 countries received an alert. TechCrunch has reported that Apple has sent new alerts to 98 countries. Apple’s alert does not specify that it’s being sent to 98 countries, but the text states that the company has detected spyware attacks. Apple detected that you were being targeted by a spyware attack from mercenaries that was trying to remotely compromise your iPhone associated with Apple ID,” states the alert. It also includes the correct Apple Account. The alert continues, “This attack is probably targeting you specifically due to who you are or your actions.” Apple is confident in this warning, even though it’s impossible to detect such attacks with absolute certainty. Please take it seriously. Apple does not reveal how it detects suspected malware attacks. Apple does not reveal its methods for fear that it will enable future bad actors to avoid detection. Apple also does not attribute attacks to any government or organization for similar reasons. Apple’s initial warnings stated that they were alerts about “state-sponsored attacks,” but this has been toned back in the most recent round of warnings, to only “mercenary software.” It is not clear why these alerts are sent out in mass. Apple is unlikely to wait for them to be issued in batches. It’s more likely that they are a result of a coordinated mass attack. Apple offers general advice about protecting yourself against security issues, aside from these alerts. AppleInsider also has many recommendations for protecting yourself.