Apple Alerts iPhone Users of Potential “Mercenary Spyware Attack”
- Written by Elijah Ugoh Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
- Fact-Checked by
Apple has issued a caution to its users in 92 countries, warning them of a potential “mercenary spyware attack.” The tech giant sent out an email notification, seen by Reuters and TechCrunch , informing possible targets about attempts to “remotely compromise” their iPhones.
The alert, which was sent out last Wednesday, reportedly reads:
“ Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-.
This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it’s never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously .”
The alert also included steps that affected iPhone owners can take to protect their devices. Users should update their devices to the latest software, use a passcode to protect their devices, enable two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID, install apps from the App Store, and enable Lockdown Mode to reduce the attack surface for spyware.
Apple started Threat Notifications to help users “who might have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks.”
The company explained that these attacks are historically associated with state actors, including private companies like the NSO Group behind the Pegasus spyware attack of October 2023, and are highly sophisticated and aimed at individual targets. Apple had filed a lawsuit against the NSO Group for monitoring and targeting Apple users in November 2021.
Mercenary spyware attacks are rare, but they pose significant threats, far surpassing typical cybercriminal activity, Apple further explained. Apple has taken a proactive approach to securing iPhones by issuing threat notifications since 2021 and has sent out such alerts to users in over 150 countries to date.
Apple to Introduce AI-Driven M4 Chips in Future Macs
- Written by Deep Shikha Content Writer
- Fact-Checked by
Apple Inc. plans to refresh its entire Mac lineup with a new set of in-house M4 chips with Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
According to Bloomberg’s 11 April report , this move aims to boost slowing computer sales. Despite launching Macs with M3 chips just 5 months ago, Apple is already close to starting production on this next version.
Bloomberg reported (citing anonymous sources familiar with the plans) that Apple’s upcoming M4 chip will come in at least 3 main versions. These versions will include an entry-level chip called Donan, more powerful models named Brava, and a high-end processor codenamed Hidra.
Apple aims to showcase the AI capabilities of these chips and their integration with the next macOS version, which is set to be announced in June at Apple’s annual developer conference. The company plans to use this new processor in every Mac model. Apple has not officially announced these plans yet.
According to the report, the updated computers may launch late this year and early next year. The new lineup will include new iMacs, a low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro, high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, and Mac minis.
Bloomberg suggested that the tech giant is working to improve its position in AI technology, where it currently falls behind competitors like Microsoft and Google.
Mac sales dropped 27% in the last fiscal year, ending in September, after reaching a peak in 2022. During the holiday season, revenue from the Mac line remained unchanged at $7.78 billion, slightly up from $7.73 billion the previous year.
The first quarter of 2023 marked the worst year for Apple in terms of computer sales. However, Apple saw an improvement in the first quarter of 2024, with a 14.8% increase in Mac sales .
On April 12, AAPL stocks jumped up 4.3% to $177.93 — which marks the highest single-day gain for the company in the last 11 months. It fell by a little less than 1% the day after. Apple’s shares are down nearly 9% for the year-to-date but have risen more than 6% over the past 12 months.
As Apple gears up for its annual developers conference in June, the anticipation builds with the possibility of unveiling new AI partnerships and significant iOS updates. This move could mark a crucial step in Apple’s strategy, enhancing its product lineup and potentially setting new industry standards for innovation and user experience.
