A hacking technique called DarkSword, used by Russian hackers, can compromise iPhones running iOS 18 simply by visiting infected websites. Discovered in the wild, this tool has been deployed in espionage and cybercriminal campaigns to target thousands of devices indiscriminately. It is now available online in a reusable form, risking a large portion of iPhone users worldwide.
iPhone hacking techniques were once rare, likened to elusive animals used stealthily against select targets. Recent developments show a shift, with espionage and cybercriminal groups embedding phone-takeover tools in websites to hack thousands of devices broadly. Among these is DarkSword, a powerful method spotted in active use by Russian hackers. This technique can seize control of devices on iOS 18 with just a visit to a malicious site, affecting hundreds of millions of iPhones. The tool has surfaced on the web in an easily adaptable format, heightening risks for many users. Previously selective hacks are now scaling up, as noted in cybersecurity observations.