Germany's federal cybersecurity agency, the BSI, warned Bundestag members and government officials about a possible spyware attack on their phones after a threat notification from Apple for iPhones, according to ARD-Hauptstadtstudio.
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger, a CDU member, said on ARD's "Bericht aus Berlin" that there was an Apple report that certain devices may have been compromised with so-called spyware. He said the BSI reacted very quickly and wrote to all affected people about what to do, without providing further details. He described the specific nature of the case as speculative for now and said it must be awaited.
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 still something that concerned the government greatly.
Spyware is malicious software installed on computers or smartphones without users' knowledge or consent to collect data and transmit it to third parties. It can capture 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through manipulated email attachments, fake links or apps from untrustworthy sources, and some exploit security gaps in outdated software. States, as well as criminals and stalkers, use spyware.
Sources: FAZ.