Apple has warned several German politicians of a potential hacking attack involving spyware targeting their mobile phones, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported, citing German newspaper Bild.
The perpetrators appear to have targeted the mobile phones of members of the Bundestag and federal government, the publication reported. It added that Germany's Minister for Digitalisation and Government Modernisation, Karsten Wildberger, had confirmed the information.
"This concerns a notification from Apple stating that certain devices may have been compromised by so-called spyware," Wildberger said. He expressed concern over the reports but declined to provide further details.
According to the report, iPhone users began receiving notifications about the threat on Oct 29.
The issue involves "mercenary spyware", malicious software developed by specialised companies, the publication said. Such software allows attackers to access users' messages, contacts, calendars and location data, as well as secretly activate a device's microphone and camera.
Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has notified potential targets in writing, advising them to assume that their devices may have been compromised.
However, there is currently no confirmation that the attackers successfully gained access to the phones.
