Apple issues new round of spyware alerts to iPhone users: What to do if you got one

Apple has issued a new wave of spyware alerts to iPhone users, warning them that their devices may have been hacked by "mercenary spyware." The company sent these notifications on August 13 to over 110 countries, though it is unclear if India was included. iPhone users have received these alerts directly on their lock screens, via email, and when logging into their Apple accounts.

The alert reads, "Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and device."

Apple has updated its user experience to provide options for users to seek help or go into "Lockdown Mode." Users are advised to check their iPhone Settings for any threat notifications, verify if the notification is real by visiting accounts.apple.com, and, if needed, enable Lockdown Mode. This mode disables link previews in text messages and certain Safari features, making it harder for threat actors to compromise devices.

Apple has also introduced Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) in its A19 and A19 Pro chips, operating system, and development tools to enhance protection against sophisticated spyware attacks.