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Apple has sent out a new batch of notifications to customers who it suspects have been targeted with spyware capable of hacking into their devices. The tech giant sends out these notifications on occasion<\/a> to alert its customers that their iPhones, iPads, or Macs might have been compromised with spyware typically used by governments.<\/p>\n Apple told TechCrunch that it sent out the notifications on Thursday to users targeted in 110 countries. Apple says to date it has notified customers in over 150 countries, giving some context to how far government-used spyware has spread around the world.<\/p>\n In a new support article<\/a> on its website, Apple says it will notify users directly on their iPhone lock screen with a push notification that urges the person to take action. Apple told TechCrunch that it has updated the user experience, making it easier for recipients to access important information on what to do next.<\/p>\n When received, a threat notification will read: \u201cApple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and device.\u201d<\/p>\n Apple also sends notifications by email and to users when they log in to their account.<\/p>\n John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at digital research group Citizen Lab, first highlighted the latest batch of spyware notifications in a thread on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you receive a notification like this, take it seriously. We\u2019ve explained before what happens when someone gets a notification saying they\u2019ve been targeted<\/a>. It may not mean that you have been successfully hacked, but you should still take immediate steps to protect your device and data. <\/p>\n The push notification also opens up advice on who to reach out to for help. You will also be advised to switch on Lockdown Mode, a security feature that makes it far more difficult for spyware attacks to succeed. According to Apple<\/a>, it has yet to see a case where someone\u2019s device was hacked while Lockdown Mode was enabled.<\/p>\n Spyware attacks are generally rare, but the proliferation of the surveillance technology in recent years<\/a> has allowed them to be abused by governments and deployed against critics, including members of civil society.<\/p>\n Citizen Lab\u2019s Scott-Railton told TechCrunch that these new push notifications are a \u201cbig improvement\u201d in urging people to seek help to secure their devices since Apple debuted its spyware alerts in 2021.<\/p>\n \u201cNotifications create a critical signal that a community is being targeted. People get an alert, and then some of them reach out and seek help. Often this kicks off an investigation that reveals many, many more cases,\u201d said Scott-Railton.<\/p>\n Citing the ongoing scandal in Poland over the former government\u2019s use<\/a> of spyware against its rivals, Scott-Railton said that without Apple\u2019s notifications, \u201cthat entire massive scandal about spyware abuse in the Polish election wouldn\u2019t have been uncovered.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em><\/p>\n