Apple has issued a warning to iPhone users in 98 countries, including India, about a potential mercenary spyware attack similar to Pegasus. The warning states that the attack is targeting specific users due to their identity or activities and is attempting to remotely compromise their iPhone. 

The alert message read, "You are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID".

These attacks are considered exceptionally rare and more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity. Pegasus is a spyware software developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, capable of infiltrating and controlling target devices.

According to Apple, mercenary spyware attackers employ significant resources to target a very small number of specific individuals, with costs reaching millions of dollars. These attacks have a short lifespan and are challenging to detect. 

The target audience for such attacks is typically limited to specific individuals, and the vast majority of the population is unlikely to be affected.

Iltija Mufti, the daughter of former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, alleged that her device was hacked using Pegasus and accused the Narendra Modi government of harassing political opponents. 

She shared screenshots of Apple's notification, which warned her of a mercenary spyware attack on her iPhone, likely targeting her due to her identity or activities.

Apple's notification urged users to take the warning seriously and be cautious. This warning is the second instance of Apple alerting users in India and other countries about potential mercenary spyware attacks. 

In October last year and April this year, similar warnings were sent to users in India and 92 other countries who may have been targeted by mercenary spyware like Pegasus. 

Apple has been sending threat notifications multiple times a year since 2021. Recently, the Indian government also warned Apple users in India about vulnerabilities in their devices.