Owners of Russian iPhone devices were urged to run virus scans on their Apple phones due to security vulnerabilities in Apple’s software that could expose users to malware, a concern raised by a member of the Federation Council’s Constitutional Committee, Artem Sheikin, who stressed the importance of checking devices for signs of infection and highlighted that domestic cybersecurity firms have crafted tools designed to quickly determine whether data on phones has fallen into the hands of fraudsters.
He encouraged the public to use these locally developed programs, noting that they can rapidly identify if personal information or device data has been compromised. The invitation came as a call to verify the integrity of iPhones amid ongoing worries about the reach of malicious software and the possibility that Russian users might be targeted when vulnerabilities are exploited.
In his outreach, the federation member also contacted Kaspersky Lab’s chief expert, Sergey Golovanov, seeking an official assessment of the scope of malware infection affecting Russian smartphones and asking for clarification on the scale of the threat. The request aimed to gauge how widespread the issue might be and whether it extends beyond isolated incidents to a broader infection pattern.
Golovanov replied that Kaspersky Lab personnel have observed malware affecting several dozens of iOS devices and pointed out that the latest cyberattack appears not to be limited to Kaspersky staff alone. This observation suggested a broader attack landscape that could involve multiple targets beyond the company, underscoring the potential danger of iOS malware in the current threat environment.
The security firm noted that there is no guaranteed protection against this particular attack, emphasizing that the risk is real and evolving. Golovanov explained that one possible safeguard could be the precaution of limiting reliance on third-party devices when moving data, effectively creating a layer of defense that reduces exposure to compromised systems.
Earlier on the afternoon of June 1, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reported that several thousand iPhones belonging to both Russian and international users had been compromised by malware, a development that prompted discussions among officials about possible ties between Apple and U.S. intelligence entities. The FSB’s disclosure highlighted the intensity of the cyber threat and its potential geopolitical ramifications, raising questions about the security of consumer devices used across multiple regions.
Shortly thereafter, information about the iPhone malware affecting Russians was corroborated by Kaspersky Lab. The firm indicated that the infection propagated through the iMessage service, exploiting an invisible attachment within messages, a method that can evade straightforward detection. Apple has denied any involvement with or knowledge of ties to United States intelligence agencies, emphasizing its stance on user privacy and security. The evolving narrative points to a complex intersection of cybersecurity, consumer technology, and national security concerns, where threat actors may leverage messaging channels to reach a broad audience without leaving obvious traces.