Apple has announced a new lockdown mode for iPhone, iPad and Macs. This new security mode will be available in the company’s upcoming iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura. Let us know that usually Apple gives information about the features of its device software in its WWDC conference. But it is very rare that when the company has announced a feature a month after this conference. With ‘Lockdown Mode’, the company aims to protect users from any major spying attack (severely targeted spyware). This information has been given from a post on Apple Newsroom.
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple’s latest iOS 16 developer beta 3 includes a lockdown mode. Apple has shared a screenshot of the lockdown mode to see what it looks like in iOS 16. It is not yet clear how this mode will come to other devices. But it is expected that Cupertino-based company Apple will release this feature in all its devices.
Apple To Roll Out Lockdown Mode
Let us tell you that this feature has been released by Apple in view of the increasing threat of spying on iPhones and Android devices. Recently, there was news about spying of iPhone and Android device users in Italy and Kazakhstan. Earlier, NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware also targeted iPhone and Android devices worldwide. Apple has already sued Israel’s NSO Group.
Apple says Lockdown Mode is an extreme, optional production for those whose digital security is most at risk. This privacy tool was created by Apple to fight malware designed by Israel’s NSO Group and other governments. This mode blocks messages, web browsing and other Apple services such as FaceTime and calls. In addition, it blocks a wired connection to a computer or accessory that cannot enroll the device in Mobile Device Management (MDM). Apple says that the company has invited security researchers to find out the flaws of Lockdown Mode. The company will also offer rewards through the Apple Security Bounty program.
Let us tell you that before this other companies have also taken such steps to secure the private date of the users. Google released the Advanced Protection feature in 2017 to prevent phishing, accidental sharing and fraud. Microsoft has also started working on Super Duper Secure Mode in its Edge browser to give better browsing experience.
Will lockdown mode be turned on by default?
Lockdown mode will not automatically turn on. This is an optional security. Apple also says that this is an ‘extreme’ security feature and it is only for a very few users. It is not yet clear whether once users turn on the lockdown mode, it will automatically turn off or not.
Who should use lockdown mode?
This mode is especially for those users whose digital security is at high risk. Such as journalists, activists, politicians, etc. and those who are afraid of spying on their phones for any reason. Lockdown Mode will also give relief to those people who have already fallen victim to spyware like Pegasus, Hermit and their device has been hacked. Also, if you are one of those users who care a lot about their security and privacy, then you will be able to turn the feature on when it becomes available.
What will happen with lockdown mode after all?
Apple says that the lockdown mode will increase the security of the device by blocking some functions and services. Once the mode is activated, the changes mentioned below will happen in the device.
Messages: Most messages that have attachments other than images will be blocked when the lockdown mode is turned on. Link preview will be disabled in the message. This is important as spyware vendors have already breached the Messages app to gain access to the device, taking advantage of the flaws.
Web browsing: Some complex web technologies such as just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript will also be disabled. This means that some websites will not load as expected and some scripts will be blocked. According to Apple, if the user has kept a trusted site out of lockdown mode, then the site will load.
Apple services: Apple will not allow any invitations and service requests from strangers, including FaceTime calls. This means that if the user has not already made a call or request to another user, then the FaceTime call or request will not go through. Wired connections to a computer or accessory will also be blocked while the iPhone is locked.