**Apple and Google Send New Round of Cyber Threat Notifications to Users**

In a coordinated effort to protect their users from state-backed hackers, Apple and Google have sent out new rounds of cyber threat notifications. The notifications are part of the tech giants' ongoing efforts to insulate customers against surveillance threats.

The latest wave of warnings was issued by both companies in December, with Apple announcing that it had notified users in over 150 countries worldwide. However, the company provided few details about the alleged hacking activity, including the number of users targeted and the identity of those believed to be conducting the surveillance.

Google's notification, issued on December 3, specifically targeted users who may have been compromised by Intellexa spyware. The cyber intelligence company is sanctioned by the US government and has been accused of evading restrictions and thriving in the shadows. According to Google, the spyware has affected "several hundred accounts across various countries," including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan.

Intellexa executives did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the allegations. However, previous waves of warnings from tech companies have triggered headlines and prompted investigations by government bodies, including the European Union. Senior officials with the EU have previously been targeted using spyware, highlighting the need for greater accountability in the cyber intelligence industry.

John Scott-Railton, a researcher with the Canadian digital watchdog group Citizen Lab, praised the efforts of tech companies to alert users to potential threats. "Threat notifications impose costs on cyber spies by alerting victims," he said. "They are also often the first step in a string of investigations and discoveries that can lead to real accountability around spyware abuses."

As the battle against state-backed hackers continues, tech companies like Apple and Google will likely remain at the forefront of efforts to protect users from surveillance threats. By issuing timely notifications and working with governments to hold cyber spies accountable, these companies are playing a crucial role in keeping their customers safe.