Recently, some Apple users have been startled by receiving 'Threat Notifications' warning them of potential state-sponsored attacks.
Let's dive into what these alerts mean and how you should respond if you're targeted."
Apple has introduced 'Threat Notifications' to alert users who might be targets of state-sponsored attackers.
Unlike typical cybercriminals, these attackers possess significant resources and focus on a very small number of high-value targets.
These sophisticated attacks can cost millions to develop and often have a limited period of effectiveness.
Several Indian politicians have reported receiving these alerts, and Apple has previously detailed the nature of such warnings on their support page.
Following claims of iPhone compromises, Apple, as ANI reports, states that these alerts don't pinpoint any specific state actors.
Given the imperfect nature of threat intelligence, false alarms and missed attacks can occur. Apple also avoids sharing their notification criteria to prevent attackers from adapting.
If Apple detects patterns indicative of a state-sponsored attack, users are notified in two ways: a message at the top of the page upon signing into appleid.apple.com, and through an email and iMessage.
These notifications advise further steps, including enabling 'Lockdown Mode' for enhanced security.
To verify a threat notification, remember Apple won't ask for clicks, file openings, app installations, or Apple ID credentials. Authentic notifications are visible after logging into appleid.apple.com
State sponsored attack or not, users should maintain robust security practices regardless: keeping software updated, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication for Apple IDs, installing apps only from the App Store, and being wary of links or attachments from unknown sources.
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