DarkSword iPhone Hacking Tool Found in the Wild Can Compromise Hundreds of Millions of Devices

Russian Hackers Using Powerful Exploit Against iOS 18 Devices That Visit Infected Websites\n\nA powerful iPhone-hacking technique called DarkSword has been discovered being used by Russian hackers, capable of compromising hundreds of millions of iPhones.\n\n### The Threat\n\n- DarkSword exploit discovered active in the wild\n- Used by Russian hackers against iOS 18 devices\n- Compromise requires only visiting an infected website\n- No user interaction needed beyond visiting the page\n- Affects hundreds of millions of iPhones worldwide\n\n### How It Works\n\nDarkSword is a "zero-click" exploit — it doesn't require the target to click anything malicious. Simply loading a webpage embedded with the exploit code is enough to fully compromise the device, granting access to messages, photos, location data, and more.\n\n### Apple's Response\n\nApple has been notified and is expected to issue an emergency security update. Users are advised to update iOS as soon as a patch becomes available.\n\n### Broader Context\n\nThis is the second major iPhone exploit discovered recently, following the Lockdown Mode controversy. The sophistication level suggests state-sponsored development.\n\nSource: WIRED, Andy Greenberg