Although advanced spyware attacks do not affect most smartphone users, cybersecurity researchers stress that awareness is essential as these tools continue to spread globally. Even individuals who are not public figures are advised to remain cautious.
In December, hundreds of iPhone and Android users received official threat alerts stating that their devices had been targeted by spyware. Shortly after these notifications, Apple and Google released security patches addressing vulnerabilities that experts believe were exploited to install the malware on a small number of phones.
Spyware poses an extreme risk because it allows attackers to monitor nearly every activity on a smartphone. This includes access to calls, messages, keystrokes, screenshots, notifications, and even encrypted platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal. Despite its intrusive capabilities, spyware is usually deployed in targeted operations against journalists, political figures, activists, and business leaders in sensitive industries.
High-profile cases have demonstrated the seriousness of these attacks. Former Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos and Hanan Elatr, the wife of murdered Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, were both compromised through Pegasus spyware developed by the NSO Group. These incidents illustrate how personal data can be accessed without user awareness.
Spyware activity remains concentrated within these circles, but researchers suggest its reach may be expanding. In early December, Google issued threat notifications and
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