For hundreds of millions of Apple users worldwide, it is not common to receive official letters from Apple warning that "your Apple ID has been attacked". However, several opposition party members and well-known politicians in Indian politics have received warning letters in recent days, triggering a new round of mutual wrangling in Indian politics.
According to screenshots of letters posted on social media, Apple warned these users that they were being targeted by "state supported attackers".
(Source: Samir Saran, Chairman of ORF)
Of course, email templates like Apple are the same: due to your identity or what you do, you are being targeted by 'state supported attackers'. If your phone and Apple account are compromised, attackers will be able to remotely access your sensitive information, chat records, and even remotely control your camera or microphone.
However, Apple also stated that this may be a false alarm, but please take it seriously.
According to the introduction on Apple's official website, unlike traditional hackers, "state supported attacks" have the characteristics of high development costs, highly complex attacks, and very short shelf life, targeting only a very small number of people. Once Apple detects this type of attack, it will prompt through email, text message, and Apple ID homepage top warning.
Apple also stated that it will not provide users with reasons for issuing threat warnings to prevent attackers from adjusting their behavior to avoid future detection.
Indian government: requires Apple to provide true and accurate information
As the backdrop of the entire matter, India will hold a national election at the turn of spring and summer next year. In July of this year, 26 opposition political parties formed the India National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) with the aim of challenging Modi's Indian Party in next year's general election.
At this critical moment, Apple issued such a warning, undoubtedly igniting the opposing emotions on both sides.
The President of the Indian National Congress Party, Malikarun Karge, publicly stated, "The Indian Party first used Pegasus for espionage activities against opposition leaders and other institutions, and now uses other tools. India cannot be intimidated by this threat
Pegasus (also known as "Pegasus") is a mobile espionage software developed by Israeli network intelligence company NSO, which can invade iPhone and Android devices, extract text messages, photos, emails, and secretly activate functions such as microphones and cameras. NSO has stated that it has sold this software to dozens of countries. Apple also personally sued NSO, demanding a permanent ban on the company's use of any Apple software, services, or devices.
The first place where the "Pegasus Monitoring Gate" incident broke out was India, where multiple political figures, government officials, and well-known journalists were found on the "Monitor List", and their positions were mostly on the "opposite side" of the Modi government. Although the entire matter was ultimately resolved under the denial of the Modi government, the seeds of suspicion had already been planted.
Regarding the accusations made by the opposition parties, Ravi Shankar Prasad, a senior member of the Indian Party and former Minister of Communications, stated that these accusations are "false and baseless".
The current Minister of Communications, Ashvini Vashino, also stated on social media that "an investigation will be launched" and requested Apple to join the investigation and provide true and accurate information about the suspected state supported attacks.
(Source: X)
In response to media interviews, Apple declined to confirm whether such warnings had been issued and stated that there was no information about being invited to assist in government investigations, and the company "did not attribute the threat notification to any specific country supported attackers".