Apple today announced a new Lockdown Mode for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, coming with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. Apple says the optional security feature is designed to protect the "very small number" of users at risk of "highly targeted cyberattacks" from private companies developing state-sponsored spy programs, such as journalists, activists, and government employees.
Apple writes in the press release that the lockdown mode in the third beta versions of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, which are being released today. The feature is aimed at users who are the target of cyberattacks, but can apparently be enabled by any user. You can find Lockdown Mode in the Privacy & Security section of the Settings app on iPhone and iPad and the System Preferences app on Mac.
Lockdown mode under iOS 16: This is what the new security level brings
When enabled, Lockdown Mode provides an "extreme" level of security, according to Apple, by severely restricting or completely disabling the functionality of features, apps, and websites. At launch, Lockdown Mode will include the following protections:
- In the Messages app, most types of message attachments except images are blocked, and some features like link previews are unavailable.
- Incoming FaceTime calls from people you haven't called before will be blocked. Incoming invitations to other Apple services from people you haven't invited before will also be blocked.
- Some complex web technologies and browsing features, including just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted website from lockdown mode. This protection applies to Safari and all other web browsers that use WebKit on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Shared albums will be removed from the Photos app and new invitations to shared albums will be blocked.
- When a device is locked, wired connections to other devices/accessories are blocked.
- As long as lockdown mode is activated, configuration profiles cannot be installed and the device cannot register with Mobile Device Management (MDM).
Apple has announced that it will add more protection features to Lockdown Mode over time. Apple has added a new category to its Security Bounty program to reward researchers who find ways to circumvent Lockdown Mode and help improve protection measures. expressed Ivan Krstić, Head of Security Engineering at Apple, said:
Apple continues its own efforts against cyberattacks
Lockdown Mode is a groundbreaking feature that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from even the rarest and most sophisticated attacks. The vast majority of users will never fall victim to targeted cyberattacks, but we will work tirelessly to protect the few users who do.
Apple also announced it would donate $10 million to the Ford Foundation's Dignity and Justice Fund to support organizations that investigate, detect and prevent targeted cyberattacks. Apple said the company will also donate any damages it wins in its lawsuit against NSO Group, the maker of the Pegasus spyware. Last year, Apple began sending email and iMessage notifications to users who may have been targeted by state-sponsored attackers. (Image: Apple)
