Apple has recently alerted several individuals who are suspected targets of government-sponsored spyware. This notification was confirmed by two of the individuals, one of whom is Ciro Pellegrino, an Italian journalist for the online outlet Fanpage. Pellegrino shared that he received both an email and a text message from Apple on Tuesday, indicating that he was one of those affected, and he was not alone in this situation. The messages stated that notifications were being sent to users in 100 countries.
The second individual to receive the notification is Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch right-wing activist, who publicly announced her situation on social media. According to a screenshot she shared, the alert from Apple read, “Apple detected a targeted mercenary spyware attack against your iPhone,” specifying that the attack likely targeted her because of her identity or activities. She described the notification as an attempt to intimidate and silence her.
This incident follows a pattern, as Apple has previously sent notifications to individuals who have fallen victim to spyware, recommending they reach out to specialised non-profits focused on investigating such cyber threats. Other major tech companies like Google and WhatsApp have also been proactive in alerting their users about similar security risks.
Despite the seriousness of these notifications, only Pellegrino and Vlaardingerbroek have publicly acknowledged receiving them. Neither responded to requests for further comment from TechCrunch. Apple has yet to disclose specific details regarding the spyware campaign related to these notifications, though it has previously informed users in various countries about being targeted without naming specific threats.
Pellegrino is notably the second Italian journalist this year to receive a notification, highlighting the alarmingly frequent targeting of journalists and activists with so-called “mercenary” spyware, often developed by companies selling their technology to government entities. This raises ongoing concerns about digital privacy and security.
Earlier this year, Pellegrino’s colleague at Fanpage, Francesco Cancellato, was also notified by WhatsApp regarding an attack by a spyware company believed to be working in conjunction with governmental agencies. Both Pellegrino and Cancellato are among a cohort of Italian journalists and NGO workers who have been identified as potential targets of sophisticated spyware attacks, linked to companies like Paragon Solutions, an Israeli firm.
The implications of this incident extend beyond individual privacy concerns, reflecting broader issues of surveillance, cybersecurity, and the implications for freedom of expression in democratic societies.
Overall, these developments underscore the increasing importance of digital security awareness in a world where targeted cyberattacks are becoming more common and more advanced.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
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