Suspected Mercenary Spyware Attacks Target Turkish Ministers' iPhones

Apple issued notifications to at least three Turkish ministers warning that their iPhones were targeted in mercenary spyware attacks, part of a global notification sent to users in 110 countries. Turkish authorities believe the hacking attempts failed due to pre-existing enhanced security measures and encrypted applications. Following the alerts, Turkey's Presidency of Cyber Security inspected and replaced the devices while introducing additional safeguards. While the specific spyware and perpetrators remain unconfirmed, sources in Ankara note that suspicion often falls on regional actors like Israel and Greece, alongside various political and economic interest groups.

// Background

Senior Turkish officials were previously targeted in 2021 using Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, leading officials to change numbers and hardware. That same year, the Pegasus Project investigation revealed over 50,000 numbers selected as potential surveillance targets globally. Features like Apple's Lockdown Mode were subsequently developed to combat zero-click exploits.

// Key Developments

• Apple alerted at least three Turkish ministers that their devices were targeted by mercenary spyware.
• Turkish officials stated the hacking attempts failed due to enhanced security measures and encrypted applications.
• The newly established Presidency of Cyber Security inspected and replaced the targeted devices.
• Sources in Ankara suggested political and economic groups, including Israel and Greece, as potential suspects, though no definitive evidence exists.