Mumbai: Several opposition leaders in India have said that they have received messages from Apple on their phones and emails, warning that “state-sponsored attackers” may be targeting their iPhones. The messages are said to have been sent by Apple’s Threat Intelligence team, which monitors for and alerts users about potential state-sponsored attacks.
The messages warn users that they are being targeted by state-sponsored attackers who are trying to remotely compromise their iPhones. These attackers are likely targeting them individually because of who they are or what they do. If their device is compromised, the attackers may be able to remotely access their sensitive data, communications, or even the camera and microphone.
Mahua Moitra wrote on social platform, “Writing officially to Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla requesting he follow Raj Dharma to protect Opposition MPs & summon HMO India officials ASAP on our phones/email being hacked. Priveleges Committee need to take Up”.
AAP leader Raghav Chadha too posted on X with a picture of a warning from Apple with a note. “Early this morning I received a concerning notification from Apple, warning me about the potential state-sponsored spyware attck on my phone”, read a part of his note.
Apple has advised users who receive this alert to enable Lockdown mode, a new security feature announced in 2022. Lockdown mode is designed to protect people like journalists, politicians, lawyers, and human rights defenders from state-backed spyware attacks. It disables certain features and functionality, such as link previews in messages, just-in-time (JIT) compilers, and receipt of FaceTime calls with contacts you haven’t communicated before.
The fact that opposition leaders are receiving these warnings from Apple is a serious concern. It suggests that they are being targeted by sophisticated and well-resourced attackers. It is also a reminder of the importance of taking cybersecurity seriously, especially if you are a high-profile individual or organization.