Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has warned Bundestag members and government officials about a possible spyware attack on their mobile phones, according to ARD-Hauptstadtstudio. The warning concerned a threat notification for Apple iPhones.
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) said on ARD's "Bericht aus Berlin" that Apple had sent a message saying certain devices may have been compromised with so-called spyware. He said the BSI reacted very quickly and wrote to all those affected about what to do. He did not provide further details, saying it would be speculative to say what exactly was involved and that they would have to wait.
Wildberger said he would not necessarily attribute the matter to an AI attack, noting that spyware on phones has existed for some time. He added that it was nevertheless something that concerned them greatly.
Spyware is malicious software installed on computers or smartphones without users' knowledge or consent to collect data and transmit it to third parties. The data can include keystrokes, messages, photos, location data, calls and microphone recordings. Such programs usually reach a device through manipulated email attachments, fake links or apps from untrustworthy sources, and sometimes exploit security vulnerabilities in outdated software. States, as well as criminals and stalkers, use spyware.
Sources: Handelsblatt.