A wide-reaching alert from Apple
Apple has sent spyware alerts to users in 99 countries. The company issues such notifications when it believes a user may be the target of attacks attributed to state actors.
Investigation in Germany
Following the alerts, Germany is investigating claims that lawmakers and government officials may have been targeted. The case shows that spyware attacks can concern not only individual users but also figures in politics and public administration.
What is spyware?
Spyware is software that infiltrates a device without the user's knowledge and can export data such as messages, location and microphone input. Advanced versions used in state-backed attacks are known for their ability to bypass ordinary security measures.
What users should do
Users who receive Apple's alert are advised to keep their devices updated and to be cautious about unknown links and attachments. The alert alone is not proof of an attack, but it is a signal that should be taken seriously.
