● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
German Lawmakers' iPhones Potentially Hacked with Spyware, Apple Issues Warnings
Key points
- German BSI warned politicians of potential iPhone spyware attacks.
- Apple sent threat notifications to users in 99 countries.
- Spyware often uses zero-click exploits to invisibly compromise devices.
- Governments frequently purchase spyware from private vendors.
- German lawmakers and staff received Apple warnings last week.
- Der Spiegel reported notifications were sent to a German delegation traveling with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Asia.
- Franziska Brantner, Green Party co-leader, revealed she was a victim.
German Government Issues Warning
The German government has alerted its politicians and public figures about potential targeting by government-backed spyware. This warning comes days after Apple began sending threat notifications to individuals whose iPhones may have been compromised. The federal cybersecurity office (BSI) confirmed that members of the Bundestag and other notable individuals received these alerts.
Apple's Threat Notification System
Apple periodically issues threat notifications to users it believes have been targeted by spyware. This type of software can extract sensitive data like messages and location information, often through zero-click exploits that do not require user interaction. While Apple warns of potential targeting, it does not specify the attackers or confirm if a device has been successfully breached. Consequently, the BSI advises anyone receiving such a notification to assume their device may be compromised.
Widespread Targeting and Spyware Industry
Beyond Germany, Apple's recent batch of threat notifications reached users in 99 countries. For example, Beirut-based filmmaker Radwan Mortada reported receiving a new warning after a previous attack in 2021. The identity of those behind these latest attacks remains unclear. This situation underscores the prevalence of mercenary spyware, which governments often purchase from private vendors, such as NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, rather than developing their own tools.
Updates
- German lawmakers and staff received Apple warnings last week.
- Der Spiegel reported notifications were sent to a German delegation traveling with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Asia.
- Franziska Brantner, Green Party co-leader, revealed she was a victim.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Several German lawmakers and foreign policy staff received Apple threat notifications regarding spyware attacks. Germany's information security agency (BSI) advised recipients to assume their devices are infected and replace them, highlighting ongoing national security threats from spyware.
The German government has warned politicians and public figures about potential spyware attacks on their iPhones, following threat notifications from Apple. Germany's BSI advised recipients to assume their devices might be compromised, though Apple does not attribute attacks or confirm successful breaches. This incident highlights the ongoing use of government-backed spyware, often acquired from private vendors, targeting civil society members across multiple countries.