Apple and Google Alert Users with Latest Cyber Threat Notifications

In a recent announcement, Apple and Google have issued a new wave of cyber threat notifications to users globally, reinforcing their commitment to protect customers from surveillance threats. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to safeguard user privacy against potential state-backed hacking attempts.

Both tech giants are among several companies that routinely alert users when they suspect they may have been targeted by malicious actors. Apple disclosed that these warnings were sent out on December 2, although it provided limited details regarding the specific hacking activities involved. The company did not clarify how many users were affected or identify the suspected perpetrators behind the surveillance efforts. However, Apple noted that it has notified users in over 150 countries to date.

Following Apple’s announcement, Google revealed on December 3 that it had alerted all known users who were targeted by Intellexa spyware. This warning encompassed “several hundred accounts” across various nations, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan. Google emphasized that Intellexa, a cyber intelligence firm sanctioned by the U.S. government, is “evading restrictions and thriving,” raising concerns about its operations.

Executives associated with Intellexa have not responded to inquiries regarding these allegations. Previous notifications from tech companies have garnered significant media attention and prompted investigations by governmental organizations, including the European Union, where senior officials have previously been victims of spyware attacks.

According to John Scott-Railton, a researcher with the Canadian digital watchdog group Citizen Lab, these threat notifications serve to impose costs on cyber spies by alerting potential victims. He remarked that such notifications are often the initial step in a series of investigations that can lead to accountability for abuses related to spyware.

Topics
Cyber
Google

In a recent announcement, Apple and Google have issued a new wave of cyber threat notifications to users globally, reinforcing their commitment to protect customers from surveillance threats. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to safeguard user privacy against potential state-backed hacking attempts.

Both tech giants are among several companies that routinely alert users when they suspect they may have been targeted by malicious actors. Apple disclosed that these warnings were sent out on December 2, although it provided limited details regarding the specific hacking activities involved. The company did not clarify how many users were affected or identify the suspected perpetrators behind the surveillance efforts. However, Apple noted that it has notified users in over 150 countries to date.

Following Apple’s announcement, Google revealed on December 3 that it had alerted all known users who were targeted by Intellexa spyware. This warning encompassed “several hundred accounts” across various nations, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan. Google emphasized that Intellexa, a cyber intelligence firm sanctioned by the U.S. government, is “evading restrictions and thriving,” raising concerns about its operations.

Executives associated with Intellexa have not responded to inquiries regarding these allegations. Previous notifications from tech companies have garnered significant media attention and prompted investigations by governmental organizations, including the European Union, where senior officials have previously been victims of spyware attacks.

According to John Scott-Railton, a researcher with the Canadian digital watchdog group Citizen Lab, these threat notifications serve to impose costs on cyber spies by alerting potential victims. He remarked that such notifications are often the initial step in a series of investigations that can lead to accountability for abuses related to spyware.

Topics
Cyber
Google