Apple Warns About Spyware in Armenia: Two or More Recipients, Typically Important Individuals, Says Samvel Martirosyan

Apple has sent a warning letter in Armenia to more than two individuals due to the detection of spyware on their phones. Media expert Samvel Martirosyan discussed this in an interview with Aysor.am, referencing the warning letters sent overnight which alert phone owners about the Pegasus spyware.

“At least a few people have received that letter. Google, Apple, and several other organizations have a program that warns users if they detect a state-sponsored hacking attack. Given that Apple phones are currently under serious threat, and that the Pegasus spyware is being used to infect them, the company is trying to combat this,” Martirosyan emphasized.

He pointed out that the Pegasus spyware has been utilized by not only Azerbaijan but also by various governments worldwide at different times. “Specific incidents in Armenia should not be assumed to have originated from Azerbaijan. At the same time, details about the attacks are not disclosed, and moreover, the company might not even know the source of the cyber attack, as the hacker conceals their identity,” our interlocutor noted.

When asked what a person should do upon receiving a warning letter, Martirosyan responded that Apple provides specific instructions on what steps the phone owner should take within the letter itself. However, one of the most crucial actions, according to the media expert, is to keep the phone continuously updated. “An ordinary individual would not receive such a letter because such notifications are very rare and targeted. Therefore, it would not be accurate to expect that an average citizen might receive a warning letter. Those receiving such letters are usually very important people,” concluded Martirosyan.

It should be noted that Pegasus is a spyware that can be invisibly installed on mobile phones and other devices operating on certain versions of Apple iOS and Android operating systems. The program was developed by the Israeli company NSO Group.