A mercenary spyware attack refers to a highly sophisticated and targeted digital attack using advanced surveillance tools that are designed to remotely infiltrate and compromise smartphones and other devices without the knowledge or consent of the user. Key points: - Mercenary spyware is developed by private companies, often called "mercenary spyware firms", and sold to governments, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies. - Examples of mercenary spyware include Pegasus from the NSO Group, FinSpy from FinFisher, and Galileo/Remote Control System from the Hacking Team. These tools can remotely access a device's data, communications, camera, and microphone. - These attacks are highly targeted, with the spyware deployed against a small number of specific individuals, often political opponents, activists, and journalists. They are exceptionally well-funded and constantly evolving to evade detection. - Apple has issued high-confidence threat notifications to users in over 150 countries since 2021, ...