Global Warning: Cyber-Attacks Targeting Users’ Phones in Over 150 Countries

Google and Apple have taken action by issuing a new round of cybersecurity warnings in over 150 countries, which include Egypt and Saudi Arabia. They detected attempts to hack phones using advanced spyware associated with the Israeli company Intellexa, as reported by the media. The alerts are part of a broader effort to combat government-backed espionage campaigns that aim to compromise hundreds of accounts in various countries. This initiative is crucial in enhancing privacy protections amidst the escalating digital threats globally. According to a statement released by Google on 3 December, warnings were sent to numerous accounts in countries like Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan. The majority of these attempts reportedly utilized spyware tools developed by Intellexa, including the notorious program Predator. Additionally, media outlets mentioned that Apple also sent warnings to iPhone users in more than 80 countries during the recent round of alerts, expanding the total number of affected nations to over 150.