Cybersecurity experts have issued a major warning after discovering a dangerous piece of software called "Darksword" hidden on dozens of Ukrainian websites. This tool is specifically designed to break into iPhones and steal sensitive data, including cryptocurrency wallets. It marks the second time this month that researchers from Google, Lookout, and iVerify have found high-level spyware targeting Apple devices, signaling that the market for these professional-grade hacking tools is exploding.What’s particularly concerning is how these hackers are operating. Usually, sophisticated iPhone exploits are kept secret by government agencies, but the groups behind Darksword are being surprisingly reckless. Researchers noted that the attackers are using "sloppy" security and launching mass attacks, suggesting they now view these powerful tools as cheap and replaceable rather than rare or precious.The threat primarily targets people running older software—specifically iOS versions 18.4 through 18.6.2, which were released during the spring and summer of 2025. While Apple has already released fixes for these vulnerabilities, an estimated 220 million to 270 million iPhones remain at risk simply because their owners haven't tapped "update" yet.Google tracked the malware being used in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Malaysia, with some links to commercial surveillance companies and state-backed hackers. Apple has since blocked the malicious websites in Safari and reiterated that the single most important thing you can do to stay safe is to keep your phone’s software completely up to date.
Source: Reuters
