Featured Image Credit: Stock via Getty, Pinterest/Fluid-Combination-70
Topics: Apple, Crime, Technology, iPhone, Reddit
Emily Brown
Topics: Apple, Crime, Technology, iPhone, Reddit
An iPhone user has shared their fears after receiving two messages from Apple warning them of a potential attack on their phone.
Considering even something as simple as a call from an unknown number can be enough to send anxiety flooding through us, the last thing most of us would want to see on our phones is a message like the one this user shared on Reddit.
In a post on the platform, the iPhone user explained they first received a warning notification in August 2023 from the email address '[email protected]'.
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They received another email this week, prompting them to take to Reddit to share the email and ask users for advice.
The first email read: "ALERT: State-sponsored attackers may be targeting your iPhone."
It continued: "Apple believes you are being targeted by state-sponsored attackers who are trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID... These attackers are likely targeting you individually because of who you are or what you do."
The email went on to warn that the attackers may even be able to access the owner's 'camera and microphone', adding: "While it's possible this is a false alarm, please take this warning seriously."
The owner was advised to update their phone and enable 'lockdown mode' to prevent the attack, but they received notification of 'another attack' this week.
In the second email, the owner was warned that the attacks 'cost millions of dollars and are individually deployed against a very small number of people'.
The iPhone user told Reddit users they were 'worried' about the emails, adding: "I googled their email and everything seems legit, has anyone ever had this kind of experience? Should I worry about it?"
Users responded to insist the poster should take the warning seriously, with one advising: "This is legitimate. Follow the advice provided. Start securing any other accounts you deem important with 2FA and ideally with a hardware security key... Don’t be concerned, just be prepared."
On its website, Apple confirms that it does notify users about threats and protecting against mercenary spyware, saying notifications are 'designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks'.
The tech company states such attacks have been known to target individuals such as journalists, activists, politicians and diplomats, and stated they are 'ongoing and global'.
Anyone who receives a threat notification is advised to 'enlist expert help, such as the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the non-profit Access Now'.
More generally, Apple advises all iPhone users to protect themselves from cybercriminals and consumer malware by making sure devices are up to date and protected with a passcode.
The company also recommends using two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID, only installing apps from the App Store, using strong and unique passwords online and avoiding links or attachments from unknown senders.