Turkey replaces ministers' phones after Apple spyware alert

spyware cyberattack iPhone security Turkish government mercenary spyware

Turkey has replaced the mobile devices of at least three government ministers following security alerts from Apple regarding potential spyware targeting. The notifications were part of a broader security campaign by Apple that reached users in 110 countries.

Turkish officials believe the attempted breaches were unsuccessful because the targeted devices utilized enhanced security protocols and encrypted applications. Following the warnings, Turkey’s Cybersecurity Presidency inspected the affected phones and implemented additional safeguards.

The specific type of spyware used and the identity of the perpetrators remain unknown. While some sources in Ankara have speculated about various political or economic interests being behind the attack, experts note that identifying the actors is extremely difficult. This incident follows a similar 2021 event where high-level Turkish officials were targeted by the Pegasus spyware.

Entities

Apple · Cybersecurity Presidency of Turkey · Middle East Eye · Pegasus · Presidency of Cybersecurity · Presidency of Cybersecurity of Turkey · Turkey

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] At least three Turkish ministers were targeted by sophisticated spyware. www.dimokratia.gr · www.tanea.gr · turkishminute.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Turkey's Presidency of Cybersecurity inspected and replaced the affected devices and implemented additional security measures. www.dimokratia.gr · www.tanea.gr · turkishminute.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Identifying the perpetrators of the cyberattacks is considered extremely difficult. www.dimokratia.gr · www.tanea.gr · turkishminute.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The attempts to breach the ministers' devices failed because they used enhanced security protocols and encrypted applications. www.dimokratia.gr · www.tanea.gr · turkishminute.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Apple sent security warnings to iPhone users in 110 countries, including Turkey, regarding potential spyware targeting. www.dimokratia.gr · www.tanea.gr · turkishminute.com