Apple sent out a new batch of spyware alerts to users across 110 countries
Apple confirmed to multiple outlets that it sent notifications on August 13 to users targeted in 110 countries
On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Apple sent notifications to users in 110 countries, alerting them that they may have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. Research and cybersecurity experts confirmed a rise in security notifications, with some users reaching out to the tech company, reports TechCrunch. Affected users will encounter an Apple Threat Notification alert, an email notification, or a threat notification banner on their devices.
Apple's guidance on its website explained the nature of mercenary attacks, which differ from typical cybercrimes and targeted individuals such as journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. The company declined to disclose details about the alerts' triggers, citing the potential risk of aiding attackers in evading detection.
Apple noted that such attacks have been linked to state actors and companies developing mercenary spyware, including the Pegasus software from the NSO Group. Since 2021, Apple has issued threat notifications to users in over 150 countries. Apple explained that its threat notifications are intended to inform users who may have been specifically targeted by these sophisticated attacks, which involve significant resources and are challenging to detect and prevent.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
