Hundreds of millions of iPhones can be hacked with a new tool found in the wild

Recent developments in the world of cybersecurity have unveiled a troubling new threat to iPhone users. A sophisticated hacking method, dubbed DarkSword, has emerged, allowing attackers to compromise iOS devices through malicious websites. This alarming technique is capable of affecting hundreds of millions of iPhones, particularly those still operating on older versions of Apple's software. Researchers from Google, along with cybersecurity firms iVerify and Lookout, disclosed their findings, highlighting that DarkSword can silently infiltrate iPhones simply by visiting infected sites. While the latest iOS updates are safe from this attack, a significant number of users—approximately a quarter of all iPhones—are still running on iOS 18, making them vulnerable to data breaches. Rocky Cole, co-founder and CEO of iVerify, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "A vast number of iOS users could have all of their personal data stolen simply for visiting a popular website." The implications are staggering, affecting not only individual privacy but also potentially leading to broader security concerns. This revelation comes just weeks after the detection of another advanced hacking toolkit known as Coruna, reportedly utilized by a Russian state-sponsored espionage group. Although DarkSword was developed separately, it has been utilized by the same group, highlighting a concerning trend in the use of malicious exploits embedded in legitimate websites, including those of Ukrainian news agencies and government entities. As cyber threats evolve, it is crucial for users to remain vigilant and ensure their devices are updated to the latest software to mitigate the risk of such intrusions.