Apple has sent special security alerts to iPhone users across 110 countries worldwide over the risk of extremely dangerous surveillance software, or “mercenary spyware,” attacks.
These alerts are primarily sent to specific individuals whose phones face a risk of state-sponsored cyberattacks. Attackers spend millions of dollars deploying such sophisticated spyware to target high-profile individuals such as journalists, politicians, and diplomats. The widely discussed “Pegasus” spyware is one example of this type of surveillance software.
Because these attacks remain active for only short periods, they are difficult to detect using standard antivirus software. However, the risk of ordinary users being targeted by such attacks remains very low.
Users who receive such an alert from Apple are advised to quickly enable their phone’s “Lockdown Mode” and contact a cybersecurity support organization such as Access Now.
Ordinary users are advised to follow some basic rules to stay safe from cyber risks. These include always keeping device software updated, using a strong passcode along with Face ID or Touch ID, and enabling two-factor authentication on their Apple ID. Users should also only download apps from authorized app stores and avoid clicking unfamiliar links or downloading unknown files.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report