Apple announced a new security measure for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. The company spent years to marketing its products the most secure and privacy-focused devices on the planet. Now it’s coming true with a feature called Lockdown Mode.
Apple says Lockdown Mode in iOS 16 will help block spyware attacks
Privacy is one of the biggest problems of our age and Apple determined to fight for it. The company today detailed two initiatives to help protect users who may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.
Lockdown Mode is a new security measure on iOS 16, iPad OS 16, and MacOS Ventura. The feature offers an extreme, optional protection for the small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security. So, what does it do?
At launch, Lockdown Mode includes 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 this mode is turned on.
Apple will continue to strengthen Lockdown Mode and add new protections to it over time. The company also shared details about the $10 million cybersecurity grant it announced last November to support civil society organizations that conduct mercenary spyware threat research and advocacy.
{{user}} {{datetime}}
{{text}}