Germany warns MPs and ministers that their iPhones may have been compromised by spyware Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has warned parliamentarians and the government after Apple alerted them that their iPhones may have been targeted by "hired spyware", the expensive surveillance tools sold mainly to governments. The alerts began arriving on October 29, according to a BSI letter seen by German public broadcaster ARD. Digital Minister Carsten Wildberger confirmed the warnings. He said victims were advised to assume their phones could be compromised, as alerts do not show whether an attack was successful. According to the BSI, this type of spyware can access messages, including in encrypted apps, as well as conversations, contacts, calendars and location. It can also activate the phone's microphone and camera, and some attacks don't require a click from the user at all. Neither Apple nor the German authorities said who was behind it, or how many politicians were targeted. The German government itself admitted in 2021 to the use of Pegasus spyware.

Germany warns MPs and ministers that their iPhones may have been compromised by spyware Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has warned parliamentarians and the government after Apple alerted them that their iPhones may have been targeted by "hired spyware", the expensive surveillance tools sold mainly to governments. The alerts began arriving on October 29, according to a BSI letter seen by German public broadcaster ARD. Digital Minister Carsten Wildberger confirmed the warnings. He said victims were advised to assume their phones could be compromised, as alerts do not show whether an attack was successful. According to the BSI, this type of spyware can access messages, including in encrypted apps, as well as conversations, contacts, calendars and location. It can also activate the phone's microphone and camera, and some attacks don't require a click from the user at all. Neither Apple nor the German authorities said who was behind it, or how many politicians were targeted. The German government itself admitted in 2021 to the use of Pegasus spyware.