Story perspectives

Apple Warns 110 Countries of Mercenary Spyware Attacks

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Apple sent fresh threat notifications on Thursday, Aug. 13 to users in 110 countries.
The alerts say a mercenary spyware attack targeted the recipients’ iPhones.
Apple advises affected users to enable Lockdown Mode and call the 24/7 Access Now Digital Security Helpline.
Citizen Lab senior researcher John Scott-Railton said the alerts, from a program launched in 2021 that has warned users in more than 150 countries, indicate a community-wide targeting effort.

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Story summary

Apple sent fresh threat notifications on Thursday, Aug. 13 to users in 110 countries.
The alerts say a mercenary spyware attack targeted the recipients’ iPhones.
Apple advises affected users to enable Lockdown Mode and call the 24/7 Access Now Digital Security Helpline.
Citizen Lab senior researcher John Scott-Railton said the alerts, from a program launched in 2021 that has warned users in more than 150 countries, indicate a community-wide targeting effort.