Latest news with #CiroPellegrino
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Apple notifies iPhone users in 100 countries of serious threat after believing they were targeted with government spyware
Apple has notified iPhone users in 100 countries of a serious threat to their devices. This is after many believe that they were targeted with government spyware. At least two people have confirmed that they were warned by the tech giant of a possible cybersecurity threat. iPhone users in as many as 100 countries have reported that they have been targeted with malicious messages. It was reported by TechCrunch that one person who received a warning message from Apple is Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and the other is Dutch right-wing commentator Eva I got a verified threat notification from Apple stating they detected a mercenary spyware attack against my talking spyware like I know for sure right now is that someone is trying to intimidate me.I have a message for them: It won't work. — Eva Vlaardingerbroek (@EvaVlaar) April 30, 2025 Vlaardingerbroek took to X, formerly Twitter, to share screenshots and a video of the apparent warning message she received. In a post on social media, she wrote: 'Yesterday I got a verified threat notification from Apple stating they detected a mercenary spyware attack against my iPhone. 'We're talking spyware like Pegasus. 'All I know for sure right now is that someone is trying to intimidate me. 'I have a message for them: It won't work.' The message that she claims she received on her iPhone read: 'This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are and 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 firm has not given any indication as to where the cyber attack has originated from. On the Apple website, it details information about the way the company will warn its users. It said: 'Apple threat notifications are designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, likely because of who they are or what they do. 'Such attacks are vastly more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware, as mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices. 'Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent. The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks.' It was reported by EnGadget that last year, Apple sent similar spyware attack warnings to users in 92 countries. Since 2021, users in over 150 countries have been contacted by the company to make them aware of similar possible attacks. If you've received a similar message from Apple then it might be worth checking your own device and tightening cybersecurity messages.
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Apple sends new spy threat notifications: What they mean and how to stay secure
Apple is known to alert its users about potential spyware attacks, which could be government-sponsored, time and again. This happened during the Pegasus fiasco, and now Apple is once again alerting users about another spyware attack, targeting individuals who may have been recent victims, as first spotted by TechCrunch. Recently, two people have come forward to reveal that they indeed received notifications from Apple, alerting them about the same. These two individuals include Ciro Pellegrino, an Italian journalist and a Dutch right-wing activist named Eva Vlaardingerbroek. 'Yesterday I got a verified threat notification from Apple stating they detected a mercenary spyware attack against my iPhone,' Eva Vlaardingerbroek posted on X. 'All I know for sure right now is that someone is trying to intimidate me,' she added. As for Ciro Pellegrino, he attached a screenshot of the mail Apple sent him. 'Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple Account,' the screenshot of the mail reads. Apple has since provided details about the attacks, including their detection methods and also explained how its notification process works for affected individuals. Read on for the details. Also Read: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 get a huge price drop during Amazon Great Summer Sale - Details In the same regard, Apple on 25 April published a support document outlining the company's exact guidelines for users. It details what users must do if they receive an Apple threat notification and explains what actually happens when such alerts are triggered. Apple states that these notifications are intended to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, because of 'who they are or what they do.' These attacks are far more sophisticated than typical cybercriminal activity or general consumer malware. Furthermore, Apple assures users that the vast majority will never be targeted. Only specific individuals are at risk. The company also referenced past instances, such as the Pegasus spyware developed by the NSO Group. Apple explains that these threats are deployed against a very small number of individuals, often including journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. Since 2021, Apple has confirmed that it sends out threat notifications multiple times a year whenever it detects such attacks. The company also states it has informed users in over 150 countries. Apple says that threat notifications are typically sent using email and iMessage to the email addresses and phone numbers associated with the Apple account of the targeted individual. These messages include details and steps users should follow to protect their devices, including enabling Lockdown Mode. Apple clarifies that emails are only sent from the address: threat-notifications@ while iMessage notifications come from threat-notifications@ Prior to 2025, email notifications were sent from threat-notifications@ Also Read: Best time to buy a PS5? Up to 52% discount on gaming consoles in Amazon sale- Check deals The tips include: MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price, Specs And More
Mint
01-05-2025
- Mint
Apple issues spyware warnings to Dutch commentator, Italian journalist: Here's what happened
A Dutch political commentator and an Italian journalist are among the latest to receive alarming warnings from Apple, alerting them to possible spyware attacks targeting their iPhones. Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a prominent right-wing commentator, and Ciro Pellegrino, a journalist for Italian online news outlet Fanpage, both confirmed they had been notified by the tech giant in recent days. Vlaardingerbroek shared on social media platform X that she had been notified by Apple about a potential security threat. She described the message as an attempt to 'intimidate or silence' her, suggesting the targeting was politically motivated. Meanwhile, Pellegrino published an article detailing his experience, reported TechCrunch, confirming Apple had contacted him via both email and text message. 'Yes, it is not a joke,' he wrote, dispelling any suggestion that the message was a hoax or phishing scam. Apple's warning informed both people that a 'targeted mercenary spyware attack' had been detected against their iPhones. The message explained that the attackers were likely trying to infiltrate their devices specifically 'because of who you are or what you do,' urging recipients to treat the notification with utmost seriousness. The company stated that these alerts are part of its official threat notification system, intended to warn users about advanced cybersecurity threats. According to Apple's support page, these 'mercenary spyware' attacks are typically orchestrated by private firms developing surveillance tools that are then sold to governments or state actors. 'These attacks are highly targeted, expensive, and not aimed at the general population,' Apple explains, noting that the vast majority of iPhone users are unlikely to be affected. Nonetheless, for those who do receive a threat notification, the company advises immediate action and heightened caution. When a threat is detected, Apple notifies users in two ways: by displaying a notification at the top of the page when the user logs in to their account at and by sending alerts via both email and iMessage to all addresses and numbers linked to the user's Apple ID. The recent wave of warnings highlights ongoing concerns around spyware tools being used to monitor journalists, activists, and political figures globally. First Published: 1 May 2025, 05:00 PM IST
Hans India
01-05-2025
- Hans India
Apple Warns iPhone Users in 100 Countries of Mercenary Spyware Attacks
In anunprecedented move, Apple has issued emergency security alerts to iPhone usersacross more than 100 countries, warning them of targeted spyware attacks. Thecompany is reaching out directly to individuals who may be victims of what itcalls 'mercenary spyware' — sophisticated surveillance tools often sold togovernments and used to target people based on their identity or occupation. Thealerts, sent through Apple's official threat notification system, aim to informusers facing high-level security risks. Apple confirmed that these warningswere not widespread or random but instead part of a focused campaign targetingselect individuals in over 150 countries. Accordingto Apple's support documentation, the attacks involve 'targeted mercenaryspyware attacks', which are usually executed by private surveillance tools are often deployed in collaboration with state actors and are knownfor their ability to breach even the most secure devices. Apple clarifies thatthe targets of such spyware aren't chosen at random — they are people singledout for 'who they are or what they do.' Recentrecipients of the alert include high-profile individuals like EvaVlaardingerbroek, a right-wing commentator from the Netherlands, and Italianjournalist Ciro Pellegrino, who writes for the online news outlet Fanpage. Asreported by TechCrunch, Vlaardingerbroek posted on X (formerly Twitter) aboutreceiving the notification, suggesting it was meant to intimidate meanwhile, confirmed he received the same alert through both emailand iMessage. Addressing any doubts, he wrote plainly, 'Yes, it is not ajoke.' Thenotification from Apple reads: 'Apple has detected a targeted mercenaryspyware attack against your iPhone… This attack is likely targeting youspecifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it's neverpossible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple hashigh confidence in this warning. Please take it seriously.' Thisisn't Apple's first brush with such incidents. In July 2024, a similar set ofwarnings was dispatched to iPhone users believed to be under details of that earlier campaign were kept under wraps, the patternsuggests these attacks are not isolated. Appleemphasises that most users are unlikely to ever face this kind of for those who do receive the notification, it's essential to treat itwith urgency. The company's protocol includes two forms of notification: amessage shown at the top of the user's Apple ID account page upon logging in,and direct alerts via email and iMessage to addresses linked to the account. Bysounding the alarm early and publicly, Apple aims to protect its users andraise awareness about the growing threat of state-sponsored digitalsurveillance. This bold move also reinforces Apple's stance on privacy and usersecurity, even as the threat landscape becomes increasingly complex.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Apple sends alerts to ‘iPhone spying attack' victims in 100 countries and says ‘take it seriously' – where to find yours
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APPLE has pushed out an urgent alert to iPhone owners who are victims of a dangerous spying attack. The tech giant says users in 100 countries were targeted by "spyware" – and urged those affected to "please take it seriously". Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Watch out for a serious alert that comes via text, email, and on your Apple Account page Credit: Apple It's part of Apple's official Threat Notification scheme, which launched back in 2021. A Threat Notification is one of the most serious security alerts you can get on your Apple account. "The extreme cost, sophistication and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today," Apple warned. Now TechCrunch reports that a fresh wave of these notifications have been sent out to victims of an attack. Apple doesn't name who has been affected by the attacks. But Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino said he received one in an article, writing: "It's the first time something like this has happened to me. It's a horrible feeling." The Apple message explains: "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple Account. "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." It added: "Please take it seriously." Apple reveals 'Safety Check' trick to instantly stop exposing your pics and location Apple keeps secret its methods of discovering these sinister iPhone attacks. And it generally avoids explaining how the attack works – simply disclosing that it's some kind of "spying" attempt. Apple recently pushed out an iOS update for all iPhones globally fixing two security loopholes that were being actively exploited by crooks. You can check you've got the iOS 18.4.1 update by going into Settings > General > Software Update. 3 A Threat Notification is an extremely serious Apple alert Credit: Apple It's unclear whether that update is linked to these spying attacks, but it's important to install the update regardless. THREAT LEVEL Apple uses Threat Notifications to warn victims to take action on their accounts. "Such attacks are vastly more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware," Apple explained. "As mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices. AVOID CYBER-ATTACKS Here's the official Apple list of tips to avoid becoming a victim of cyber-crime... Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes Protect devices with a passcode Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for your Apple Account Install apps from the App Store Use strong and unique passwords online Don't click on links or attachments from unknown senders Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun "Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent. "The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks." If you receive a notification, it'll appear in two different ways. The first is through an email and iMessage notification to the contact details associated with your Apple Account. 3 If you see this message then you need to act fast Credit: Apple And the second is a line of red text that reads "Threat Notification" at the top of the Apple Account website once you log in. It will include a View Details option to read more about the alert. Apple warns that you'll never be asked to click any links, open files, install apps, or hand over passwords with a Threat Notification. And the email will only come from threat-notifications@ (or threat-notifications@ before April 2025). APPLE'S LOCKDOWN MODE If you think you're at risk of serious cyber-attacks, consider turning Lockdown Mode on.. It's a special iPhone setting designed for people at risk of major cyber-attacks. Apple notes: "Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme protection that's designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats. "Most people will never be targeted by attacks of this nature." It'll change a whole host of features when active. That includes: Blocking most message attachment types Blocking some website technologies Blocking incoming FaceTime calls unless you've called that person within the past 30 days Blocking incoming invitations for Apple services. Excluding location information from photos you're sharing Removing Shared Albums from the Photos app Requires unlocking if connecting your iPhone to an accessory or another computer Preventing automatic joining of non-secure Wi-Fi networks To turn it on, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > Turn On & Restart. Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun Meanwhile, iMessage notifications will be sent from threat-notifications@ HOW TO REACT If you've received a notification, you'll want to act fast. "We strongly suggest that you enlist expert help, such as the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the non-profit Access Now," Apple said. "Apple threat notification recipients can contact the Digital Security Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through their website. "Outside organisations do not have any information about what caused Apple to send a threat notification, but they can assist targeted users with tailored security advice."
