Apple has long maintained a system to alert users of potential spyware threats. Here’s a breakdown of how this works and what advice Apple offers to users whose devices may be compromised.
High-profile individuals are more likely to be targets of spyware
Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai reports for TechCrunch:
In recent years, Apple has issued notifications to individuals believed to be targets of governmental spyware, warning them about potential hacking and advising them to seek help. Notably, Apple directs these individuals to the nonprofit Access Now, which offers a digital support line for civil society members who suspect they are victims of government spyware.
We first covered these ‘threat notifications’ in 2021 when Apple released supporting documentation. This document, which was updated on October 24, 2024, can be found here.
If you are identified as a victim of a suspected spyware attack, you will receive notifications in several ways:
- A Threat Notification will appear at the top of the page when you log into account.apple.com.
- Apple will send email and iMessage alerts to the registered email addresses and phone numbers linked to your Apple Account.
Fortunately, most users will never receive a threat notification, as the attacks these warnings pertain to are typically aimed at high-profile individuals. As Apple states, this relates to those who are “individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, likely due to their identity or activities.”
What to do if you receive a threat notification
Apple’s support documentation outlines recommended actions if you receive a threat notification:
We recommend seeking expert assistance, such as rapid-response emergency security support from the Digital Security Helpline at Access Now. Recipients of Apple threat notifications can reach the Digital Security Helpline 24/7 via their website. While external organizations do not have insights into why Apple issued a threat notification, they can offer targeted guidance for affected users.
This means that if you are suspected to be a spyware target, Apple will guide you to the Access Now helpline for assistance rather than providing direct support themselves.
Apple emphasizes: “External organizations do not possess information about the reasons behind the threat notification but can offer personalized security advice to targeted users.”
Several cybersecurity experts consulted by TechCrunch have commended Apple’s initiative in this area, with many noting that the implementation of threat notifications has ‘revolutionized’ the response to such threats.
Additionally, Apple suggests security practices for all users to potentially avoid ever receiving a threat notification. Users are advised to:
- Keep devices updated with the latest software for security enhancements
- Secure devices with a passcode
- Implement two-factor authentication along with a strong password for your Apple Account
- Download apps exclusively from the App Store
- Create strong, unique passwords for online accounts
- Avoid clicking links or attachments from unknown sources
Have you ever received a threat notification from Apple? Were you aware of them prior to this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended iPhone accessories
FTC: We utilize income-earning auto affiliate links. More.
