Apple says it is adding a new feature to the so-to-be released iOS 16 called Lockdown Mode. In the press release, the Tech Giant mentioned that Lockdown Mode is specifically for a small subset of its users who are at high risk of government targeting.
That is, if after you’ve downloaded the iOS 16 and you don’t see the feature, know that you’re not a part of the Beta Testers.
However, if you desire to use it, Lockdown Mode is an alternate mode of iOS that heavily restricts the tools and services that spyware actors target to take control of victims’ devices.
Apple says Lockdown Mode is enabled in the third beta versions of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura released today, and the feature will be available to all users when the software updates are released later this year. While the feature is aimed at users who are targets of cyberattacks, it appears that it can be enabled by any user.
Lockdown Mode is turned off by default and can be enabled in the Privacy & Security section of the Settings or System Settings app. After being turned on, Lockdown Mode can be turned off at any time in the same section of the Settings app. Enabling or disabling Lockdown Mode requires restarting the device and entering the device’s passcode.
When enabled, Apple says Lockdown Mode provides an “extreme” level of security by strictly limiting or disabling the functionality of features, apps, and websites.
At launch, Lockdown Mode will include the following protections:
• Messages: Most message attachment types other than images are blocked. Some features, like link previews, are disabled.
• Web browsing: Certain complex web technologies, like just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from Lockdown Mode.
• Apple services: Incoming invitations and service requests, including FaceTime calls, are blocked if the user has not previously sent the initiator a call or request.
• Wired connections with a computer or accessory are blocked when iPhone is locked.
• Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management (MDM), while Lockdown Mode is turned on.
Apple said it will continue to add new protections to Lockdown Mode over time. It has added a new category to its Security Bounty program to reward researchers who find Lockdown Mode bypasses and help improve its protections, with bounties to be doubled for qualifying findings in Lockdown Mode, up to a maximum of $2 million.
In addition, the Tech Giant has promised a $10 million grant to the Ford Foundation’s Dignity and Justice Fund to support organisations that investigate, expose, and prevent highly targeted cyberattacks.
