A new wave of global cyber alerts
Apple and Google issued new cyber threat notifications this week. The alerts arrived on December 2 and December 3. Both companies warned users that state-linked groups attempted new surveillance attacks. The impact already spans over 80 countries. However, Apple said its total notification count has crossed 150 countries since it began warning users.
Apple avoided naming the attackers. The company also withheld the number of accounts targeted this time. Yet the scale signals an organised push from advanced hacking units. And the renewed alerts show that spyware campaigns remain active.
Google calls out Intellexa again
Google took a firmer tone in its announcement. The company warned all known users targeted with Intellexa spyware. The campaign hit several hundred accounts across Pakistan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Angola, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan.
Moreover, Google stated that Intellexa continues to “evade restrictions and thrive.” The group already faces U.S. sanctions. Even so, its tools still circulate through private channels and commercial surveillance networks.
Why these warnings matter
These alerts often trigger larger investigations. Earlier waves from Apple and Google pushed regulators in the European Union to probe spyware abuse. Senior officials in Europe faced targeted attempts in previous campaigns. And each alert increased pressure on governments to respond.
Security researchers say these notifications carry real value. They disrupt expensive surveillance operations and force attackers to rebuild their tools. Because of this, each alert becomes a starting point for deeper technical discoveries.
A growing reminder of the spyware challenge
Citizen Lab researchers emphasise that these alerts highlight the ongoing global struggle. They note that warnings often spark new findings and create accountability trails. And the latest alerts strengthen concerns about the spread of commercial spyware.
Apple and Google now see a fresh surge in suspicious activity. Their announcements underline a simple truth: global surveillance systems keep expanding, and users must stay alert.
Source – Reuters
