Apple notifies iPhone users in 99 countries of mercenary spyware targeting

On October 30 Apple warned selected iPhone users in 99 countries of high-confidence mercenary spyware targeting without naming attackers or flaws.

Apple sent threat notifications on October 30 to selected iPhone users in 99 countries, warning of mercenary spyware targeting. Recipients include journalists and documentary filmmakers. Apple does not attribute the attacks, name countries, a spyware product, a delivery method, or a software flaw, and says cumulative notices now span more than 150 countries. Researcher Costin Raiu said the wave is separate from August alerts covering users in 110 countries. The alerts indicate high-confidence targeting, not proof every device was compromised. Apple points high-risk users to Lockdown Mode and Access Now; Citizen Lab and Access Now called the batch significant.