Apple reportedly sent rare spyware threat notifications to over a dozen Iranians ahead of the Iran-Israel conflict. Here’s what the alerts said and why they matter.
Apple’s Rare Threat Alerts Warned Iranians of Sophisticated Spyware Attacks
Apple has issued “threat notifications” to iPhone users in the past, but a new Bloomberg report reveals that in early 2025, several Iranians were alerted by Apple about state-grade spyware attacks, just months before tensions erupted into the Iran-Israel war.
The Miaan Group, a digital rights organization, uncovered that more than a dozen Iranian individuals, including government workers and members of the tech sector, were targeted by advanced spyware. According to Bloomberg’s Patrick Howell O’Neill, this may only represent a small portion of the total affected.
Apple’s Alarming Message: “You Were Specifically Targeted”
The threat notifications described the attacks as “exceptionally rare” and “costing millions of dollars” to deploy, an indication that the targets were handpicked.
Apple warned users:
“This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do.”
These notifications are part of Apple’s security strategy to protect individuals at high risk, like journalists, activists, and government personnel.
What Users Are Advised to Do
While Apple didn’t name any attacker, 9to5Mac points out that its official support page provides steps for any user to stay secure:
- Always update to the latest iOS or macOS version
- Use a passcode on all devices
- Turn on two-factor authentication
- Download apps only from the App Store
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Never open suspicious links or attachments
These steps may not stop government-grade spyware, but they help defend against phishing, account breaches, and other cyber threats.
The Bigger Picture: Espionage Before Conflict
This incident marks the first known use of mercenary spyware against both domestic and international Iranian targets, raising concerns about how cyber warfare is being deployed in geopolitical tensions. With Apple’s threat notifications acting as an early warning, the line between physical conflict and digital espionage continues to blur.
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