Apple confirms iPhone attacks as millions left unprotected

There are important steps to protect yourself

Just before the Christmas holidays, Apple released fixes for two actively exploited security flaws in order to fight this risk.

What is mercenary spyware?

This spyware is advanced surveillance software made by private companies.

Where it differs from the hacking tools created by individual cybercriminals, mercenary spyware is professionally developed, expensive, and designed for targeted, covert monitoring of smartphones.

It can access your messages, emails, location data, photos, and even listen through your microphone.

What is alarming as that this can happen to you as a user, without you ever noticing.

And the impact could be massive once these tools target widely, security experts have warned.

It could quickly be used against a wider audience, even though initial attacks appear aimed at high-profile targets.

Here's how you can protect yourself and which iPhone users are at risk

According to Forbes, which has released new data, 50 per cent of all eligible iPhone users are still at risk.

This is because they have not upgraded to Apple’s latest iOS system, iOS 26.

Between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of eligible users have upgraded, according to StatCounter and TelemetryDeck, but hundreds of millions of devices are left exposed.

What this means is that for many smartphones, unless users install the latest iOS, Apple is no longer offering security updates.

Many people don’t get the new iOS – and here’s why

There are several reasons many iPhone users are refusing to switch to the newest iOS.

According to Forbes, the Liquid Glass design is a leading cause.

Some users find it harder to navigate even though it’s visually appealing, as the icons are smaller or menus are buried, which makes them hesitant to switch to the new one.

While some other users worry that the new iOS version could make their device slower, drain their battery faster or introduce glitches.

Here's what you need to do, according to the company

If you have a newer Apple device you should upgrade if you want to be protected, the company has recommended.

You can update your newer Apple device by navigating to settings, choosing general, and selecting software update.

Here, you can see what software you are running and if an update is available.

In the meantime, Forbes suggests turning off your device at least once a week, which can clear out some malware that exists only in temporary memory, if you are one who chooses not to update.