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India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, MeitY, raised concerns after Apple sent a new spyware alert to some iPhone users in India and other countries. The alert warned about a strong hacking attempt. Apple also said the spying attempt came from groups that use advanced mercenary tools.
MeitY sent a notice to Apple soon after these alerts appeared. Officials asked for clear details about the threat, the type of activity Apple noticed, and the number of users who faced this danger. This request reminded many people of a similar incident in 2023.
After Apple sent the messages, CERT In, the national cybersecurity agency, released a public advisory. CERT In asked all Apple users to update their devices, messaging apps and cloud apps immediately. It also told Apple users to switch on Lockdown Mode for stronger protection. CERT In is also offering free device scans and technical help to support people who received the alert. Users can ask for these checks by writing to submitmobile@cert-in.org.in.
Cyber experts studied the situation and shared their concerns. They said the number of mercenary spyware tools has quickly grown worldwide. Many attackers now buy these tools from commercial groups and exploit weaknesses inside phones and apps. Meghna Bal from the Esya Centre said this trend creates serious risks for India. She asked governments and tech companies to cooperate and stop the spread of such spyware systems.
CERT In also advised users not to reset phones before the scan. The agency said a reset may delete useful device logs that help investigators understand the attack and improve future warnings.
Officials said the government wants full clarity so it can study the threat better. MeitY aims to protect citizens and understand if the alert connects to larger security challenges. Sources said Apple met officials after the notice and began internal checks on the alerts.
This situation gained more attention because Google also sent similar warning messages around the same time. Both Apple and Google noticed signs of targeted hacking attempts against some users. Reports said many alerts reached politicians, journalists, and public figures, further heightening concern.
The incident shows the rise of advanced digital threats. Mercenary spyware tools can read messages, capture screenshots, and monitor activity on the phone. These tools allow attackers to gain deep access. This makes regular software updates and simple safety steps extremely important.
CERT In shared a list of measures to improve safety. It has urged users to install the latest updates. Keep all apps up to date. Turn on Lockdown Mode for extra protection. Stay alert for unusual pop-ups or messages. Ask CERT In for a device scan if the spyware alert appears.
India continues to push for clarity, transparency, and faster cooperation from large tech companies. The government aims to improve protection for citizens while strengthening national cybersecurity systems.
Also Read – CERT-In Issues Strong Warning as Zoom Faces New Security Threats
