Apple Warns iPhone Users in India of Pegasus-Like Spyware Threat

Apple recently issued warnings to iPhone users in India, alerting that some devices could be targeted by Pegasus-like "mercenary spyware." This spyware can take control of devices and allow attackers to get their hands on personal data like messages, photos and audio notes.

This is the second such notification the tech giant has sent to users in India and 98 other countries. Earlier this week, Samruddha Bharat Foundation director Pushparaj Deshpande and People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti took it to X that they had received these warning messages from Apple.

“Mercenary spyware attacks, such as those using Pegasus from the NSO Group, are exceptionally rare and vastly more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity or consumer malware," the tech giant stated in a notification.

Such spyware attacks are “exceptionally well funded and they evolve over time.” They also “cost millions of dollars and are individually deployed against a very small number of people, but the targeting is ongoing and global,” Apple said.

Last year as well, Apple issued a similar warning to users in various countries, including India about a “state-sponsored” attack targeting their devices.

"Got an Apple alert that my phone’s been hacked by Pegasus which GOI has admittedly procured & weaponised to harass critics & political opponents," Iltija Mufti said in a social media post targeting BJP government for the same.

What is Pegasus Spyware?

Pegasus spyware is a highly advanced surveillance tool, developed by the Israeli-based firm NSO Group. Once it gets into a device, it exploits weaknesses in the operating system to seize complete control.

This means it can access all sorts of personal data stored on the device like messages and emails. It can also monitor activities in real-time, tapping into the camera and microphone without the user knowing.