A dangerous iPhone hacking tool known as Dark Sword hacking tool has reportedly been leaked online, raising serious concerns about the safety of Apple users’ data worldwide.
According to a report by TechCrunch, the spyware has become publicly accessible on the internet, significantly increasing the risk of hacking attacks. The report said the software was uploaded to GitHub, allowing it to be easily downloaded by users.
International media reports suggest that experts are particularly worried because the tool does not require advanced technical skills. This means even inexperienced hackers could launch attacks within minutes.
Researchers at cyber security firm iVerify said the spyware can extract sensitive information from infected devices. This includes contact numbers, messages, call records and even stored passwords.
Older devices face higher risk
The threat is said to be more serious for users running outdated software. Devices operating on older versions of iOS 18 updates are believed to be especially vulnerable.
Experts at Google have also confirmed that the tool works more effectively on older systems, adding to concerns for users who have not updated their devices.
Apple has acknowledged the issue and urged users to install the latest software updates without delay. The company said newer versions offer protection against the threat and recommended enabling Lockdown Mode for added security.
According to figures cited in the report, there are nearly 2.5 billion active Apple devices worldwide. A large number of these are still running older software, leaving millions of users potentially exposed to cyber attacks.
Cyber security experts have warned that hacking attempts could increase in the coming weeks. Users have been advised to avoid suspicious links and websites and to update their devices as soon as possible.
