Kremlin-Linked Hackers Exploit iOS and Android Zero-Days to Target Diplomats

Security researchers have uncovered a sophisticated espionage campaign that exploited previously unknown flaws in Apple iOS and Google Android to infect smartphones. The attacks, attributed to a group with likely Kremlin sponsorship, targeted diplomats and government officials across multiple countries. The vulnerabilities allowed hackers to silently install spyware capable of harvesting messages, location data, and other sensitive information from compromised devices. The campaign highlights the growing use of mobile zero-day exploits by state-backed actors, as smartphones remain a prime target for intelligence gathering. Researchers say the operation may have been ongoing for months, with victims identified in Europe and Asia. The discovery underscores the urgent need for mobile users to apply security updates promptly and for platform vendors to harden their operating systems against advanced threats. As geopolitical tensions rise, expect more covert mobile surveillance operations from nation-state groups.