It can be quite distressing to get an Apple spyware alert on your iPhone. The thing is, this type of security notification is not the same as a typical security alert message or website warning you might come across from time to time.

According to Apple, its threat notifications are designed to inform users of a possible attack using highly advanced mercenary spyware that would target them personally. Such an attack is quite rare, expensive, and aimed at just a few particular individuals. Since 2021, Apple has sent threat notifications to users in more than 150 different countries.

Now, let’s see what to do when you receive a threat notification on your iPhone. First of all, you shouldn’t panic and certainly shouldn’t click any links in emails that supposedly came from Apple.

The Apple threat notification is a highly confident alert from Apple stating that, according to Apple’s threat intelligence, there might be some activity that indicates the individual targeting of your device by mercenary spyware.

Mercenary spyware is distinct from other forms of malware or phishing attacks, which affect millions of individuals at a time. Such attacks may involve some highly sophisticated techniques that can compromise a device to steal information from it.

The exact details of when Apple sends such a notification remain undisclosed by Apple. According to the company, sharing such information would only benefit the attackers by helping them adopt new strategies.

If the company discovers that there has been activity indicative of a mercenary spying software attack, the warning may be shown in various locations:

• On your iPhone lock screen
• In the Settings app
• On your Apple Account page if you have logged in
• Through an email account linked to your Apple Account

It will become difficult for a legitimate warning to get lost in the digital wilderness. However, scammers may send Apple warnings.

Before responding to the warning, verify that it is coming from Apple. In the case where you have received the warning via email, never follow links, open attachments, download an application or profile, or enter the password for your Apple Account or verification code.

Rather than doing this, you should:

1. Manually access the Internet.
2. Visit the page of your Apple Account.
3. Log into your account.
4. Look for the Apple threat notification at the top of the page.

According to Apple, no Apple threat notification would ever ask for your password or verification code by email or over the phone. If the message appears only in a random pop-up while navigating on the Internet, it’s worth noting that an “Apple Security Alert” is often a scam used to scare the user into downloading something or providing their login information.

Once you make sure that it is an official alert from Apple, do not treat it like any other standard security alert on your iPhone.

As suggested by Apple, you should immediately take necessary precautions and even consult a specialist if needed.

Install the latest updates of the iOS system, as it could fix some possible security issues. To do it, go to:

Settings > General > Software Update

Another powerful way to defend against sophisticated targeted attacks is Lockdown Mode. It is available at:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode

The above measure will help to decrease the attack surface and limit access to some features and website capabilities. As the above limitations can impact your regular experience with the iPhone, the company suggests using it only if you suspect that you might be targeted by an exceptionally sophisticated attack. Enabling Lockdown Mode is among the recommended steps if you have been notified by Apple about the threats.

A spyware attack and a general hacking attempt might differ from each other, but the latter needs to be taken into account anyway. Ensure that you use a unique password and that two-factor authentication is enabled. Apple also recommends looking through the list of devices linked to your Apple Account and removing the unrecognized ones. Go to your Apple Account settings and review:

•  Trusted devices 
•  Phone numbers 
•  Email addresses 
•  Account security information 
•  Recent activity 

If you notice any suspicious activity, change your password right away.

Apple also suggests using Stolen Device Protection to protect iPhone devices. This adds some extra layers of security in case the phone is taken by someone who knows the passcode of the iPhone. Stolen Device Protection can be found in:

Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection

This feature works very well for securing the settings and accounts of the devices.

In case you get an actual Apple spyware warning, it is advised not to respond to any suspicious messages, e-mails, and links. Avoid opening any strange attachments and configuration profiles that come from any source other than Apple.

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Apple highly recommends that anyone getting threat notifications get expert assistance. The support recommendations direct the user to organizations such as the Digital Security Helpline of Access Now, which provides quick response to those facing digital security threats. The expert will help you assess your situation and suggest what should be done next.

It is not necessary to turn on all security measures just because you have read something about spyware on the Internet. Apple says that most people do not face mercenary spyware at all. However, if there is a reason for you to think you might be the target of some mercenary spyware, you may enable Lockdown mode even without receiving a threat notification. To protect yourself normally, keep your iOS updated, use a passcode, two-factor authentication, unique passwords, apps from the App Store, and avoid malicious links.

Not all warnings that talk about “Apple security” are official notices about Apple spyware. An official Apple security warning has certain features. Apple will not request you to click on any links or download any applications, reveal your password, or verify a code by email or phone call. Beware if:

•  It demands you to make a payment urgently
•  It advises you to contact a phone number
•  It asks you for your Apple account password
•  It asks you for a two-factor verification code
•  It asks you to install an unknown application
•  It says your iPhone will be permanently disabled unless you do something immediately

If you have any doubts, then go to the official Apple website by yourself instead of using any links from the warning.

An Apple spyware alert is not an everyday iPhone notification and shouldn’t be treated like one. If you’ve verified that the warning genuinely came from Apple, take it seriously, update your devices, enable Lockdown Mode, secure your Apple Account, and seek expert assistance.

At the same time, don’t let a scary pop-up send you sprinting into the arms of a scammer. Verify the warning directly through Apple, never share passwords or verification codes, and avoid links or attachments in suspicious messages.

For most users, the best defense remains straightforward: keep your iPhone updated, use strong account security, enable two-factor authentication, and stay alert to phishing attempts. A little digital caution can go a surprisingly long way.