**Apple Notifies New Victims of Spyware Attacks Across the World**
In a recent move, Apple has sent notifications to several individuals who the company believes were targeted with government spyware. This is not an isolated incident, as other tech companies such as Google and WhatsApp have also periodically sent similar notifications to their users in the past.
The notifications were sent to users across dozens of countries on two occasions last year that they were targeted by unspecified spyware. However, this week's notification is significant, with only a handful of individuals coming forward to reveal they received the messages from Apple.
Two people have spoken publicly about receiving the Apple notification. Ciro Pellegrino, an Italian journalist who works for online news outlet Fanpage, was notified on Tuesday that he was targeted with spyware. The message he received included a warning that the attack is likely targeting him specifically because of who he is or what he does.
The message from Apple read: "Today's notification is being sent to affected users in 100 countries. Did this really happen? Yes, it is not a joke." Pellegrino expressed his skepticism about the situation, writing: "Did this really happen? Yes, it is not a joke."
Another individual who received an Apple notification is Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch right-wing activist. She posted on X on Wednesday, sharing a screenshot of the message she received from Apple.
The message read: "Apple detected a targeted mercenary spyware attack against your iPhone. This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although it's never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning — please take it seriously."
Vlaardingerbroek reacted to the notification by saying that this was an "attempt to intimidate me, an attempt to silence me, obviously." Neither Pellegrino nor Vlaardingerbroek responded to TechCrunch's request for comment.
It is not yet clear what spyware campaign, if known, the Apple notifications relate to. However, it has been reported that Apple has notified users across dozens of countries on two occasions last year that they were targeted by unspecified spyware.
In February, WhatsApp notified Pellegrino's Fanpage colleague Francesco Cancellato that the company "interrupted the activities of a spyware company which we believe attacked your device." The spyware was made by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company. Citizen Lab, a digital rights organization, confirmed they were investigating these attacks targeted at WhatsApp users.
After Cancellato came forward, another two Italians, who work for Mediterranea Saving Humans, a non-government organization that helps rescue immigrants, also said they were targets of Paragon. The company reportedly cut ties with its Italian government customer following these revelations.
This incident highlights the growing concern around spyware and cyberattacks, particularly those targeted at individuals and journalists. As more people come forward to share their experiences, it is essential for tech companies and governments to take steps to protect users from such attacks.
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