Leaked iPhone hacking tool ‘DarkSword’ raises global cybersecurity concerns: reports

A powerful iPhone hacking tool, dubbed “DarkSword”, has been leaked online, sparking concerns over the safety of millions of Apple users worldwide, according to a report.

The spyware was reportedly published on GitHub, making it widely accessible. Security experts warned that the tool is relatively easy to use and does not require advanced technical expertise, enabling even inexperienced users to launch cyberattacks.

Reports citing researchers from iVerify said the leaked files can be deployed within minutes. Once installed, the spyware is capable of extracting sensitive data from targeted devices, including contacts, messages, call logs and stored passwords.

The threat primarily affects iPhones and iPads running older versions of Apple’s operating system, particularly iOS 18. Experts from Google also confirmed that the exploit is more effective on outdated systems, heightening the risk for users who have not installed recent updates.

Apple has acknowledged the issue and urged users to update their devices immediately. The company said its latest software versions include protections against the exploit and advised users to enable Lockdown Mode for additional security.

With more than 2.5 billion active Apple devices globally, a significant number are still believed to be running older software versions, potentially leaving hundreds of millions vulnerable to cyber threats.

Experts warned that the public release of the tool could lead to a rise in hacking attempts in the coming weeks and advised users to remain cautious of suspicious links and websites.