**Apple** has recently dispatched a new wave of threat notifications to customers suspected of being targets of mercenary spyware attacks. This latest batch extends the reach of **Apple**'s warning system to users in 110 countries, adding to the over 150 countries where alerts have been issued since late 2021. ### The Nature of Mercenary Spyware Threats **Apple** emphasizes the extreme sophistication and global nature of these attacks. The tech giant states, "The extreme cost, sophistication, and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks make them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today." These threats are distinct from typical cybercrime, requiring substantial resources and time from spyware vendors to develop exploits capable of delivering surveillance payloads. While **Apple** refrains from attributing attacks to specific entities or geographical regions, such notifications are typically sent to individuals targeted due to their public profile or activities – including journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. ### High-Confidence Alerts **Apple** classifies these threat notifications as high-confidence alerts, strongly advising recipients to treat them with utmost seriousness. The company maintains a policy of not disclosing specific technical details behind these alerts. This measure is crucial to prevent attackers from refining their tactics in response to public disclosures, thereby preserving the efficacy of **Apple**'s detection mechanisms. ### How Notifications Are Delivered Users who are targeted will receive alerts through several channels: * An **Apple Threat Notification** will appear directly on the user's **iPhone** Lock Screen and within Settings. * An email notification will be sent to email addresses associated with the user's **Apple Account**, originating from "[email protected][.]com." * A threat notification banner will be prominently displayed at the top of the user's **Apple Account** page upon signing in to account.apple.com. ### Recommended Security Measures To mitigate the risk of compromise, **Apple** recommends several critical security practices for all users, especially those who receive a threat notification: * Update all devices to the latest software versions. * Secure devices with strong passcodes, **Touch ID**, or **Face ID**. * Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all **Apple Accounts**. * Activate **Stolen Device Protection**. * Only install applications from trusted sources, such as the **App Store**. * Turn on **Lockdown Mode**, an extreme, optional protection designed for individuals who might be targeted by highly sophisticated digital attacks. * Exercise caution and avoid opening links or attachments from unknown or suspicious senders.