Cybersecurity expert warns: What should Apple users who receive spyware notifications do?

According to an email sent to users, Apple has warned users in 92 countries that they may be potential victims of a "mercenary spyware attack."

Apple, which is among the top-selling phone and computer brands in Turkey, has recently been in the news over allegations of data leaks via spyware. In its statement, the company noted that mercenary spyware attacks are rare and far more complex than ordinary cybercrime activities or malware.

So, what should users who receive a spyware warning notification do? Cybersecurity expert Ersin Çahmutoğlu shared what Apple users need to do on Twitter. Çahmutoğlu wrote the following:

“Apple has sent threat notifications to its users in 92 countries, stating that intelligence services may have infiltrated their devices with spyware.

Politicians, journalists, activists, and NGO representatives are particularly targeted.

If there are those in Turkey who have received these notifications, what should they do?

- Your iOS version must be up to date (the current latest version is 17.4.1)

- Install all app and other updates; check for them every day if necessary

- Make sure to back up your device regularly

- Enable "Lockdown Mode" in your device settings. This mode is a highly effective method that will protect you against the most advanced spyware such as Pegasus and Predator.

It is recommended that you follow these 4 steps whether you have received a notification or not.

Intelligence services use high-level, multi-million dollar spyware that they both develop themselves and purchase from global cyber-weapon companies. Some states can use these to target politicians, journalists, activists, and even ordinary people.

We have the examples of the Israeli companies NSO and Intellexa before us. They have shaken the world in the last few years. With Pegasus and Predator, thousands of people in dozens of countries have been wiretapped, monitored, and tracked.

Even if you use the most current and newest iPhone, they can infiltrate all of them. You do not need to click on anything or take any action for them to infiltrate.

Because these are constantly updating themselves, companies like Apple and Google are constantly releasing security updates.

This threat is a growing one that could affect us all.”