If Apple sends you a push notification alerting you to a spyware attack, take it seriously

Apple has begun sending out alerts to users who might have been targeted with spyware, urging them to protect their devices and data. These notifications, which have been sent to over 150 countries, are aimed at iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Apple's support website has also updated its user experience to make it easier for recipients to take action.

When a threat notification is received, it reads: "Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and device."

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at digital research group Citizen Lab, first highlighted these notifications on X. He emphasized that receiving such a notification does not necessarily mean the device has been successfully hacked, but immediate steps should still be taken to secure it. Apple advises users to switch on Lockdown Mode, a security feature that makes it more difficult for spyware attacks to succeed. According to Apple, devices in Lockdown Mode have not been successfully hacked in any cases.

Citizen Lab's Scott-Railton praised these push notifications as a "big improvement" compared to Apple's previous alerts. He explained that notifications create a critical signal that a community is being targeted, often leading to investigations that reveal many more cases. For example, these notifications played a crucial role in uncovering a massive scandal in Poland over the former government's use of spyware against its rivals. Without Apple's notifications, this scandal might not have been uncovered.