On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Apple distributed alerts to users in 110 countries warning that they might have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. Cybersecurity researchers and experts noted an increase in such notifications and reported that some impacted individuals contacted them, according to TechCrunch. Recipients may receive an Apple Threat Notification, an email, or a banner alert. Apple published guidance explaining how these mercenary attacks differ from typical cybercrime and detailing its notification process. The company stated that targets often include journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats. It added that details on specific triggers for alerts could not be shared to avoid aiding attackers. Apple linked the incidents to state actors and private firms creating mercenary spyware, citing Pegasus from NSO Group as an example. Since 2021, the firm has issued such alerts and has now notified users in more than 150 countries overall. Apple described the notifications as tools to help those facing highly sophisticated attacks that require significant resources and typically affect few individuals.
