An unprecedented number of Apple users around the world have received notifications about potential spyware attacks, according to investigators. In what appears to be the largest batch yet, individuals and groups are reporting heightened security alerts on their devices.

Public scrutiny has been ratcheted up as several people, including a Ukrainian soldier who initially suspected it might be a scam, have come forward. The soldier said that others in Ukraine’s military had also received similar notifications, raising questions about the scale of the threat.

The number of reports is significantly higher than usual, prompting concerns among experts like John Scott-Railton from the Citizen Lab. He suggests this could indicate a broader issue beyond what the public knows.

Apple has introduced new methods to alert users more robustly, such as notifications on the lock screen and via email. This change has reportedly increased awareness, making it harder for individuals to ignore potential threats.

The incident underscores the ongoing threat of spyware, with tech giants like Apple actively trying to protect their users from sophisticated attacks used by governments or private entities.