Apple Warns Thai Activists That ‘State-Sponsored’ Attacks May Have Targeted Their Devices

Apple has warned a number of Thai activists that “state-sponsored attackers” may have targeted their iPhones.

According to a new report from Reuters, Apple notified at least six Thai activists and researchers who have been critical of the government, explaining that the Cupertino company believed they had been targeted by “state-sponsored attackers.”

“Prajak Kongkirati, a political scientist at Bangkok’s Thammasat University, said he had received two emails from Apple warning it believed his iPhone and iCloud accounts had been targeted, along with a ‘threat notification’ on his Apple account,” explains the report.

A number of other individuals were reportedly targeted, as researcher Sarinee Achananuntakul and Thai activist Yingcheep Atchanont of Legal Monitoring group iLaw said they had received similar emails.

Additionally, a rapper, a political activist, and a politician opposed to the ruling government — all perceived as critical of the Thai government — posted separate screenshots of the same email on their respective social media accounts.

The messages from Apple warned “if your device is compromised by a state-sponsored attacker, they may be able to remotely access your sensitive data, communications, or even the camera and microphone.”

The current Thai government is led by the leaders of the 2014 coup, who continue to remain in power after a 2019 election that many claim was fixed in the military’s favour. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the coup leader, has denied the claims, but has faced months of anti-government protests.Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the coup leader, has denied the claims, but has faced months of anti-government protests.