Apple warns of Pegasus-style spyware in India, 91 other countries

Apple has issued a global alert to users in India and 91 other countries, cautioning them about the potential threat of a Pegasus-type "mercenary spyware." This spyware has the capability to infiltrate iPhones from afar.

In its alert, Apple highlighted the sophisticated nature of spyware attacks, particularly those carried out by entities like the NSO Group's Pegasus.

These attacks require big financial investments, often costing millions of dollars. Consequently, they target a very small group of people, making them different from typical cybercriminal activities or consumer malware.

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Apple's warning to users

The notification sent out to iPhone users states, "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID."

It said that the attack is likely aimed at the individual recipient, based on their identity or occupation. Apple urged users to take the warning seriously, acknowledging that while absolute certainty is not always achievable in detecting such attacks.

Apple told users to activate lockdown mode on their iPhones and to avoid opening links or attachments from unknown senders.

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It also said that mercenary spyware attacks are significantly more complex than regular cybercriminal activities and consumer malware. These attacks involve substantial resources and target only a small number of specific individuals and their devices. Due to their high cost and short shelf life, they are challenging to detect and prevent. As a result, the vast majority of users are unlikely to be targeted by such attacks.

At the time of writing, Apple's updated support page reiterated the complexity and rarity of mercenary spyware attacks. 

(With inputs from agencies)