Suspected spyware attacks target Turkish ministers’ phones

Suspicious spyware attacks have reportedly targeted the phones of Turkish ministers, according to sources familiar with the incident. The attacks were not successful, as authorities claim the ministers were utilizing advanced security measures and encrypted applications to safeguard their sensitive data. Apple sent notifications to at least three Turkish ministers' phones, alerting them to the potential breach.

This comes in the wake of a broader Apple initiative to warn iPhone users in 110 countries, including Turkey, of possible spyware threats. The ministers' phones were subject to the same notifications. The attack appears to be reminiscent of a Pegasus spyware incident involving Turkish officials in 2021, during which the nonprofit Forbidden Stories exposed government clients selecting over 50,000 phone numbers as potential hacking targets since 2016.

It remains unclear which specific spyware was employed in this incident, as multiple companies offer similar surveillance tools. Following Apple's notification, the Presidency of Cyber Security in Turkey examined the affected devices, replaced them, and implemented additional security enhancements. Turkish officials maintain a heightened sense of vigilance, as similar attacks have become increasingly common in the region, targeting politicians, businesspeople, and other prominent figures.

Experts suggest various security measures, such as replacing phones, changing phone numbers, and implementing Apple's Lockdown Mode, which is designed to protect against highly sophisticated attacks. The true origin of the attacks remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding countries like Israel and Greece, though Pegasus spyware has been sold to numerous governments in the region.