Apple Will Push Out Rare ‘Backported’ Patches to Protect iOS 18 Users From DarkSword Hacking Tool

As DarkSword spreads, Apple tells WIRED it will enable iOS 18-specific fixes for millions of iPhone owners who remain on that previous iOS version rather than force them to update to iOS 26.

Iranian Hackers Breached Kash Patel’s Email—but Not the FBI’s

Plus: Apple makes big claims about the effectiveness of its Lockdown Mode anti-spyware feature, Russia moves to implement homegrown encryption for 5G, and more.

Iranians Don’t Have a Missile Alert System, So Volunteers Built Their Own Warning Map

The crowdsourced website and app Mahsa Alert provides citizens in Iran with crucial information amid the country’s ongoing war with the US and Israel—and an internet blackout.

Cyberattack on a Car Breathalyzer Firm Leaves Drivers Stuck

Plus: The FBI admits it’s buying phone data to track Americans, Iranian hackers disrupt medical care at Maryland hospitals, and more.

US Takes Down Botnets Used in Record-Breaking Cyberattacks

The Aisuru, Kimwolf, JackSkid, and Mossad botnets had infected more than 3 million devices in total, many inside home networks, according to the US Justice Department.

Hundreds of Millions of iPhones Can Be Hacked With a New Tool Found in the Wild

A powerful iPhone-hacking technique known as DarkSword has been discovered in use by Russian hackers. It can take over devices running iOS 18 that simply visit infected websites.

A Hacker Accidentally Broke Into the FBI’s Epstein Files

Plus: A porn-quitting app exposed the masturbation habits of hundreds of thousands of users, Russian hackers are trying to take over people’s Signal accounts, and more.

How ‘Handala’ Became the Face of Iran’s Hacker Counterattacks

Amid a paralyzing breach of medical tech firm Stryker, the group has come to represent Iran’s use of “hacktivism” as cover for chaotic, retaliatory state-sponsored cyberattacks.

GPS Attacks Near Iran Are Wreaking Havoc on Delivery and Mapping Apps

Delivery apps are glitching and navigation routes are changing abruptly thanks to electronic warfare disrupting the satellite signals that power everything from missiles to your ride home.

CBP Used Online Ad Data to Track Phone Locations

Plus: Proton helped the FBI identify a protester, the Leakbase cybercrime forum was busted in an international operation, and more.