Apple warns users if they are targeted by spyware like Pegasus

Apple will notify users if the tech company detects that their device is infected with spyware. Apple writes that it is specifically about very sophisticated attacks, which are carried out by states or government agencies

Apple announces on its website that users will now receive a notification if they have become a target of espionage. This concerns hacking attacks on devices of specific users, who are the target of espionage by a government or government agency.

When Apple detects that a user has been targeted by this type of spying, the affected user will receive an email and a message on iMessage with a warning. Apple advises users to then log in to appleid.apple.com to verify that this is a genuine report from Apple. Apple writes that it will continue to support potentially targeted users to protect themselves from the attacks.

The warning is only displayed if Apple believes it is a state-sponsored or executed attack. When it comes to some Apple ‘consumer malware’, this notification will not show up. For this type of malware, Apple recommends taking standard steps to keep your devices safe, including updating your device in a timely manner, using secure passwords, and setting up two-step verification.

Apple made the announcement shortly after it announced earlier this week that it would be suing the NSO Group for spying on Apple users with its Pegasus software. The NSO Group’s controversial software is used by states and government agencies to spy on people via their smartphones. According to the NSO Group, only criminals and terrorists are spied on with its software, but it was previously revealed that politicians, journalists and human rights activists have also been spied on using the Pegasus software.