Apple sends mercenary spyware alerts to users in 110 countries, now on Lock Screen

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Apple issued a new round of mercenary spyware threat notifications on August 13, 2026, reaching users across 110 countries and bringing the total to over 150 countries since the program began in 2021. For the first time, the warnings now appear directly on the iPhone Lock Screen and in Settings, in addition to the existing email and banner alerts. Mercenary spyware, such as NSO Group's Pegasus, is costly state-linked software that targets specific individuals including journalists, activists, and diplomats. Apple stresses that genuine notifications never ask users to click links, install apps, or provide passwords, and can always be verified by manually signing in at account.apple.com. Users who receive an alert are advised to update their devices, enable Lockdown Mode, review their Apple Account for unknown activity, and seek expert help through Access Now's Digital Security Helpline.

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