Apple has recently issued a new round of push notifications to users whose devices it suspects have been targeted by government-grade spyware. These alerts appear directly on iPhone lock screens and inform users that a mercenary spyware attack aimed at their device has been detected. This initiative marks a continuation of Apple’s efforts, which have now reached users in over 150 countries, to make people aware of potential spyware threats and encourage them to take action to secure their data.

The notification includes guidance on steps users should take, including enabling Lockdown Mode, a security feature Apple highlights as highly effective against spyware infections. Apple claims that no device using Lockdown Mode has been successfully compromised by spyware to date. Besides the direct push notifications, Apple also emails alerts and notifies users when they log in to their Apple accounts to ensure the warning is widely communicated.

Security experts, including Citizen Lab’s John Scott-Railton, praise Apple’s enhanced notification system for providing a clearer signal to individuals who may be targeted by surveillance spyware. These alerts often prompt recipients to seek help and trigger investigations that can uncover broader spyware abuse, such as the significant scandal in Poland involving government misuse of Pegasus spyware. Scott-Railton called the notifications a major improvement in user outreach since they first began in 2021.

Although spyware attacks remain relatively rare, their impact can be severe, particularly when used to monitor activists, journalists, and political opponents. Apple’s proactive disclosure approach aims to empower users to defend themselves against such risks amid the rising proliferation of mercenary spyware deployed globally. If you receive one of these notifications, it is crucial to treat it with urgency by following Apple’s recommended steps to protect your device and data.