Apple spyware warning hits iPhones in 110 countries

Apple is putting one of its most serious security warnings somewhere you are far less likely to miss it: right on your iPhone Lock Screen.

Apple confirmed directly to CyberGuy that it sent a new wave of threat notifications last week, saying, "We can confirm threat notifications were sent on August 13 to targeted users in 110 countries, and to date we have notified users in over 150 countries in total." If one of these alerts suddenly appears on your iPhone, do not swipe it away and assume it is another routine security notice.

Apple considers these high-confidence alerts that someone has specifically targeted you with unusually sophisticated spyware.

Here's what the warning means, how to verify it's real and what to do next if Apple says you were targeted.

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Apple says it updated its threat notifications with a new user experience designed to make important information and recommended security steps easier for recipients to access.

A threat notification can now appear directly on the iPhone Lock Screen and in Settings.

Apple also sends an email to addresses associated with your Apple Account.

In addition, a warning appears after you sign in at Apple's account website.

The Lock Screen message warns: "Apple detected a mercenary spyware attack targeted at your iPhone.