An unprecedented wave of Apple spyware alerts just hit 110 countries

Apple just sent out its largest batch of spyware alerts yet, warning users across 110 countries that state-sponsored hackers targeted their devices.

Digital rights helpline Access Now saw a 30% to 40% jump in victims reaching out for help after Friday's notification wave, according to TechCrunch. Security firm iVerify also confirmed an influx of reports. Confirmed targets include active Ukrainian soldiers fighting against Russia, alongside activists and journalists worldwide.

Why it matters: Researchers at Citizen Lab say the surge points to a massive "notification iceberg" of unseen state-backed hacking. Part of the sudden jump is also a UI change. Apple recently revamped its alert system to drop warnings directly onto iPhone lock screens, inside the Settings app, via email, and on web logins—making them much harder for targeted users to miss.

What to do: If you receive an alert—or work in a high-risk field—turn on Lockdown Mode in your Apple device settings. Apple states that zero users have been compromised while Lockdown Mode was enabled.

Lockdown Mode might turn off a few fancy features, but staying off a foreign government's surveillance grid is worth the trade-off.