In a significant cybersecurity development, Apple has sent out alerts to several users across the world, warning them of potential spyware attacks. The tech giant informed affected users that these attacks may be highly targeted and tied to their identities or professional activities. High-profile individuals such as Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and Dutch political activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek were among those who received these chilling notifications.
Apple’s Global Spyware Alert
According to reports from tech news outlet IT Home, Apple began notifying select users earlier this week via email and text message. The company warned that it had detected signs of mercenary spyware attacks in over 100 countries and regions. Although Apple clarified that it could not definitively confirm each attack, the level of threat was serious enough to trigger official notifications.
Apple’s alert explained that the attacks were “highly targeted” and potentially aimed at users due to who they are or what they do. This has raised concerns among journalists, political figures, and activists—many of whom have become common targets of digital surveillance in recent years.
Journalist Ciro Pellegrino Confirms Apple Alert
Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino, writing for the online news outlet Fanpage, confirmed that he was one of the recipients of Apple’s spyware warning. In his article, Pellegrino detailed how he received both an email and an SMS from Apple on Tuesday, alerting him that he had likely been targeted.
“This is not a joke, this is real,” Pellegrino wrote, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
As a journalist often covering politically sensitive topics, Pellegrino’s experience underscores the increasing risks faced by members of the press in the digital age.
Eva Vlaardingerbroek Shares Her Experience
Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a right-wing commentator and political figure, also received a similar notification from Apple. She shared a screenshot of the message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
The message read:
“Apple has detected a mercenary spyware attack on your iPhone that may be targeting you specifically because of who you are or your work.”
Vlaardingerbroek’s public post has sparked a new wave of concern among activists and political commentators, many of whom fear they could also be on a watchlist.
Apple’s Guidance for Targeted Users
Apple has previously issued similar notifications to individuals believed to be targeted by advanced surveillance tools. In these instances, the company typically recommends that users take specific security measures:
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Enable Lockdown Mode (available on newer versions of iOS)
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Update devices to the latest software
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Consult with digital security experts
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Reach out to nonprofit organizations specializing in spyware investigations, such as the Citizen Lab or Amnesty International’s Security Lab
These organizations can offer technical support and may help users understand how their devices were compromised.
The Growing Threat of Spyware
This wave of warnings follows increasing global scrutiny of spyware tools such as Pegasus, developed by NSO Group. These tools have been used to surveil journalists, human rights activists, political opponents, and others around the world. Despite mounting legal and ethical questions, spyware continues to proliferate in both authoritarian and democratic countries.
The fact that Apple’s warnings reached users in over 100 different countries signals just how widespread and uncontrolled the use of mercenary spyware has become.
Conclusion
Apple’s latest notifications shine a light on the persistent and evolving threats in today’s digital environment. While the company’s proactive approach to user security is commendable, it also exposes a troubling global pattern: individuals with public voices are increasingly being monitored and targeted through covert digital tools.
As we move forward, stronger regulations, transparency, and collaboration between tech companies and human rights organizations will be crucial in curbing the misuse of spyware.
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