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Before the U.S. elections, Kamala Harris's cybersecurity team reached out to Apple for assistance after spyware detection tools flagged unusual activity on two campaign staffers' iPhones, according to Forbes. However, Apple declined to conduct a forensic analysis of the devices.

This response isn’t unexpected to experts who work with individuals vulnerable to spyware attacks. In recent years, Apple has been notifying potential targets of government spyware, urging them to seek help from nonprofits like Access Now rather than contacting Apple directly. Access Now operates a digital helpline for victims of such attacks.

Apple’s alert messages emphasize the seriousness of these threats, stating that users are being specifically targeted due to their identity or activities. Although Apple refrains from offering direct support, many cybersecurity specialists believe the company’s approach is effective. John Scott-Railton of Citizen Lab noted that Apple’s notifications have significantly advanced spyware accountability and investigation efforts, leading to key discoveries in countries like Poland and Thailand.

Forensic investigators agree that Apple’s notifications mark a pivotal change, providing victims with critical information and directing them to organizations like Access Now for assistance. Natalia Krapiva, legal counsel for Access Now, praised the helpline’s effectiveness in addressing spyware cases, which handled over 4,300 support tickets in 2024 alone.

Experts, including Runa Sandvik and Eva Galperin, concur that Apple should not conduct forensic investigations but could take additional steps, such as producing detailed reports or pursuing lawsuits, to combat spyware more aggressively. Apple, for its part, emphasizes the rarity of such attacks and its ongoing efforts to protect users, including the introduction of Lockdown Mode—a security feature that has successfully prevented spyware infections.

Cybersecurity professionals recommend enabling Lockdown Mode, particularly for journalists, human rights activists, and dissidents, as a proactive measure against spyware threats.