Apple warns iPhone users in 110 countries about spyware

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Apple is putting one of its most serious security warnings somewhere you are far less likely to miss it: right on your iPhone Lock Screen. Apple confirmed directly to CyberGuy that it sent a new wave of threat notifications last week, saying, "We can confirm threat notifications were sent on August 13 to targeted users in 110 countries, and to date we have notified users in over 150 countries in total."

If one of these alerts suddenly appears on your iPhone, do not swipe it away and assume it is another routine security notice. Apple considers these high-confidence alerts that someone has specifically targeted you with unusually sophisticated spyware. Here's what the warning means, how to verify it's real and what to do next if Apple says you were targeted.

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Apple sent mercenary spyware threat notifications to targeted iPhone users in 110 countries, with warnings now appearing directly on Lock Screens. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

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Apple says it updated its threat notifications with a new user experience designed to make important information and recommended security steps easier for recipients to access. A threat notification can now appear directly on the iPhone Lock Screen and in Settings. Apple also sends an email to addresses associated with your Apple Account. In addition, a warning appears after you sign in at Apple's account website.

The Lock Screen message warns: "Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone. There are actions you can take now to protect your data and device." That wording is alarming for a reason. Apple says mercenary spyware attacks are far more sophisticated than the malware and scams most of us encounter. Attackers can spend extraordinary amounts of money targeting a very small number of people.

The good news is that receiving a warning does not automatically mean the spyware successfully broke into your device. It means Apple detected activity indicating that you were individually targeted. Still, this isn’t an alert I would ignore.

Most iPhone owners will probably never encounter one of these warnings. Apple says these attacks have historically targeted people because of who they are or what they do. Past targets have included journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats. The attacks have also been linked through public research and reporting to state actors and private companies that develop surveillance tools on their behalf.

Apple does not identify a specific attacker or country when it sends a notification. The company says revealing too much about how it detects these campaigns could help spyware operators change their methods.

This part is especially important because you can bet scammers will try to copy these warnings. A fake alert could claim your iPhone was hacked and then send you to a phony Apple login page. The crook's real goal may be stealing your Apple Account credentials.

Apple says its genuine threat notifications will never ask you to click a link, open a file, install an app or profile, or give someone your Apple Account password or verification code by email or phone.

Rather than trusting an unexpected email, open your browser yourself and go directly to Apple's official account website. Sign in normally. If Apple really sent you a threat notification, the warning should appear at the top of your Apple Account page.

If you receive a genuine warning, I would treat your phone as a potential security incident until you know more. Here are the steps I recommend.

APPLE AI SECURITY UPDATE PROVES HACKERS MOVE FAST

Apple’s updated spyware alerts warn targeted iPhone users on the Lock Screen and recommend immediate security steps, including turning on Lockdown Mode.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest available version of iOS. Security updates frequently close vulnerabilities that sophisticated attackers may try to exploit. Apple reinforced that recommendation in its statement to CyberGuy, saying, "Turning on Lockdown Mode and keeping devices updated with the latest software are critical defenses for protecting against mercenary spyware attacks."

Apple specifically recommends Lockdown Mode for people who receive a mercenary spyware warning. Apple says its updated notification experience is designed to make it easier for recipients to access recommended protective steps, including enabling Lockdown Mode.

On an iPhone or iPad:

Lockdown Mode deliberately restricts certain apps, websites and connections to reduce the number of ways highly sophisticated spyware can attack your device. An Apple spokesperson said in March 2026 that the company was not aware of any successful mercenary spyware attack against an Apple device while Lockdown Mode was enabled. That does not make any security feature unbeatable, but it is a remarkable record for a tool designed specifically for people facing this kind of threat. For a closer look, see our guide on how to protect your iPhone with Lockdown Mode.

Make sure two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled and review the devices connected to your Apple Account. Also use a strong password that you do not reuse anywhere else. A password manager can generate and store unique passwords so one stolen credential does not put several accounts at risk.

Once a warning like this gets public attention, scammers can exploit the fear around it. Do not trust someone who suddenly calls claiming to be Apple Support. Avoid clicking links in unexpected texts or emails about spyware. Remember, Apple says its threat notifications will never ask for your password or verification code.

Strange behavior alone does not prove spyware is installed. However, unexplained apps, settings you did not change or other unusual activity deserve attention. Here are more signs that may indicate your phone has been hacked and what you can do next.

Probably not. Apple describes Lockdown Mode as an "extreme" protection intended for the relatively small number of people who face sophisticated targeted attacks. Some websites and Apple features work differently while it is enabled. For most people, keeping software current and protecting your Apple Account will provide a more practical everyday security foundation. However, the calculation changes if Apple sends you a mercenary spyware notification. Apple now specifically tells CyberGuy that turning on Lockdown Mode and keeping devices updated are "critical defenses" against mercenary spyware attacks.

Even if you never see a spyware warning, there are several steps worth taking now.

Security fixes can close vulnerabilities before attackers get another chance to exploit them. Apple recommends keeping your devices updated with the latest software.

On an iPhone or iPad:

You can also tap Automatic Updates from the Software Update screen to help keep future updates installed automatically.

ARE APPLE DEVICES SPYING? WHAT YOUR IPHONE TRACKS

Apple urges users who receive a genuine mercenary spyware warning to update their devices, enable Lockdown Mode and secure their Apple Accounts. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

On a Mac:

Avoid an easy-to-guess four-digit code. These iPhone security settings can help protect your device.

This adds another barrier if someone obtains your Apple Account password. Here's how two-factor authentication works and how to enable it.

Apple recommends this as part of its broader security guidance. Here's how to turn on Stolen Device Protection on your iPhone.

Be extremely cautious with profiles or software someone tells you to install. You can also check your iPhone for suspicious configuration profiles or device management settings.

Unexpected security warnings can also be bait used in phishing attacks. Here’s how to spot fake Apple alerts and phishing messages.

Good security software can help protect you from malicious links, phishing attempts and other online threats that may try to steal your information. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Data brokers can collect and sell information such as your phone number, address and other personal details. A data removal service can help remove that information from people-search and broker sites. It will not stop mercenary spyware, but reducing how much personal information is publicly available can give bad actors less information to work with. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

If someone gains access to sensitive personal or financial information, identity theft protection can help monitor for signs that your information is being misused and provide recovery assistance if fraud occurs. It will not prevent spyware from infecting an iPhone, but it adds another layer of protection around your identity. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.

Apple bringing these warnings directly to the iPhone Lock Screen is a smart move. A warning this serious should be difficult to miss or mistake for an ordinary email. Apple's response to CyberGuy also makes clear what it wants targeted users to do next: take the notification seriously, enable Lockdown Mode and get the latest software onto their devices. There is another takeaway here that affects far more people than those receiving these alerts. Sophisticated spyware was once something most of us associated with intelligence agencies and highly unusual cases. The commercial spyware industry has made these tools available to a wider range of operators and Apple says the attacks remain global. Most of us are unlikely to become targets of mercenary spyware. That should be reassuring. Still, Apple's warnings show just how aggressive targeted surveillance can become when someone has enough resources and determination. If Apple ever tells you that you have been targeted, believe the warning until qualified experts give you a reason not to.

Do you think Apple is doing enough to protect people from sophisticated spyware, or should stronger protections be turned on by default? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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