ONE Apple alert is so serious that you must never ignore it.
It means you're the target of an extreme cyberattack that may have cost "millions of dollars" to set up.
The alert is called the Apple Threat Notification, and it's one of the most serious pop-ups you can receive.
It means that you are individually being targeted by sophisticated hackers hell-bent on breaking into your or Apple account.
Apple says that since 2021, it has sent these notifications to users in more than 150 countries.
"The extreme cost, sophistication, and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today," the iPhone maker warns.
You'll see the Apple Threat Notification in a few places.
The first is on your Apple Account page – if you sign in to the website, it will appear at the top in a big red font.
And secondly, you'll receive an email and iMessage notification to the address and number associated with your account.
You'll also be able to see the date that the Threat Notification was sent, as well as extra details about what you need to do next.
"Apple threat notifications are designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks," Apple explained.
"Likely because of who they are or what they do.
"Such attacks are vastly more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware.
"As mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices.
"Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent."
If you see an Apple Threat Notification, it's important to act quickly.
For instance, Apple strongly suggests that you get "expert help".
That includes "rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the nonprofit Access Now".
And Apple also recommends turning on Lockdown Mode if you're being targeted by one of these attacks.
This is an "extreme protection" mode designed to keep you safe from targeted and sophisticated attacks.
Here are Apple's general safety tips "for all users"...
Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun
Thankfully Apple says that you're probably safe from this kind of strike.
It noted that "the vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks".
But if you are, Lockdown Mode can give you some added protections.
It'll stop your device from working like it normally does.
For instance, most text attachments will be blocked – as well as links and their previews.
Some websites won't load properly, FaceTime calls will be blocked from people you've never called before, and location info will be stripped from your photos.
To turn it on, you just go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode and toggle the feature on.
But it's only worth doing in extreme cases – most people won't need it switched on.
Apple says that the types of people likely to be targeted by these attacks include journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats.
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