{
  "id": 890095,
  "title": "Apple is warning users of new spyware attacks - what to do if you're a target",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/apple-is-warning-users-of-new-spyware-attacks-what-to-do-if-youre-a",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-14T16:08:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ZDNet",
    "slug": "zdnet",
    "url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/apple-warns-targetted-spyware-attacks-what-to-do/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple has issued an alert to certain users warning of new spyware attacks specifically targeting journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. These \"mercenary\" spyware attacks aim to access private files, eavesdrop on conversations, capture audio and video, track locations, and take control of devices. Apple has notified select customers across 110 countries, with similar warnings issued twice in 2024. The spyware, often deployed by nation-states, is far more sophisticated than regular cybercrime and requires a specific set of actions to mitigate.\n\nTo safeguard your device post-notification, enable Lockdown Mode, which disables message attachments, link previews, advanced web technologies, incoming FaceTime calls, and certain service invitations. This mode also restricts access to shared photo albums, location data, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and device management profiles.\n\nAdditional protective measures include keeping devices updated, using strong passcodes or biometric authentication, enabling Stolen Device Protection, utilizing a robust Apple Account password with two-factor authentication, downloading apps exclusively from the App Store, using unique passwords and passkeys online, and avoiding opening suspicious links or attachments.",
  "summary": "New spyware attacks are aimed at journalists, activists, politicians, diplomats, and others. Here's how Apple is notifying them and what they should do - after turning on Lockdown Mode.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "AppleInsider",
        "title": "New wave of Apple threat notifications reach 110 countries to warn about targeted attacks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/new-wave-of-apple-threat-notifications-reach-110-countries-to-warn",
        "published": "2026-08-14T01:55:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}