Unprecedented Apple Spyware Alert Draws Record Response, Investigators Say

Apple dispatched a fresh batch of threat notifications on Friday, flagging suspected mercenary spyware attacks. The alerts reached customers in 110 countries, and the weekend brought a notable uptick in reports from recipients.

Investigators at Access Now, a digital rights group that Apple directs victims to, say the volume is unprecedented. Mohammed Al-Maskati, who leads the helpline team, noted a record high number of people reaching out since Friday, including some who had been alerted previously.

Al-Maskati said the influx is roughly 30% to 40% higher than the nonprofit typically sees after Apple issues new notifications. This suggests the latest wave may be the largest yet, according to the group.

Apple has periodically sent such warnings in batches for years, alerting customers it believes have been targeted or compromised by spyware often linked to governments. The company says it has sent notifications to users in more than 150 countries in recent years.

The high response rate underscores growing concern about mercenary spyware and the impact on affected users, though Apple has not disclosed details about the specific attacks.