Apple has announced a new lock mode

Apple has announced a new lock mode for its upcoming iOS 16, iPad running iOS 16 and macOS Ventura software that enhances user privacy. The company has always pushed for user security and privacy with its features and functions.

 

Apple users will have the option to choose a new lockdown mode aimed at stopping high-level security threats. iPhone defenses are secured through Lockdown Mode by restricting certain features. The employment monitoring industry has become a real threat to activists, dissidents, journalists, and human rights defenders around the world in recent years, as spyware vendors have become more aggressive and effective at serving governments.

These highly sophisticated tools, such as NSO Group's popular Pegasus spyware, target victims' smartphones using rare and sophisticated exploits to compromise Apple's iOS and Google's Android mobile operating systems.  

As the condition of victims has deteriorated, activists and security experts have called for more stringent measures to protect the vulnerable. Apple now has an option.

Today Apple announced a new feature called Lockdown Mode for its upcoming iOS 16 release. Apple stressed that the feature was created for a small subset of users at risk of government attack, and that it does not expect the feature to be widely adopted.  

But for those who want to use it, the feature is an iOS workaround that severely limits the tools and services that spyware actors can target to take control of victims' devices.

Apple said the idea of a lockdown mode seems odd because iOS has always been developed to provide all security protections to all users. But with more and more spyware victims appearing around the world, the company saw the need to take drastic measures. 

 The company said it plans to continue improving and expanding Lockdown Mode as needed. It added a new category to its bug bounty program to reward researchers with up to $2 million for finding bugs in crash mode or bypassing them altogether.

The company pledged in November to donate $10 million to research and advocacy related to targeted spyware. Apple announced on Wednesday that the money will become a grant to the Ford Foundation's Justice and Dignity Fund. At launch, the fund's advisors will come from Access Now, Citizen Lab, Engine Room, Amnesty International and Apple.

"The mercenary spyware industry facilitates the spread of authoritarian practices," points out Citizen Lab's Deibert. "I applaud Apple for developing Lockdown Mode. It's a blow to mercenary spyware companies.

Targeted spyware has proven to be a difficult threat to combat, and the industry is only growing. But a radical new defense can only help potential targets around the world, who need exposure and resources.

When will lock down mode be available?

Lockdown mode will be available to users with the release of iOS 16. It is expected to be launched later this year. Also, Lock Mode is not enabled by default, so users need to enable or disable it.

Is Lock Mode only for iPhones?

No, Lockdown Mode is available on iPads running iOS 16 and Macs running macOS Ventura.

How does Lock Mode work on iPhone?

 Lock mode provides security and privacy to users when enabled. This mode takes care of security, FaceTime, Apple's online services, Messages application, Safari web browser, configuration profiles and wired connections.

According to Apple, after enabling blocking mode, most attachments in the Messages app will be blocked. Only pictures are allowed.

Apple blocks all incoming invites and service requests, including FaceTime calls from strangers. Also, FaceTime calls are blocked if the user has not sent a call request before.

When an iPhone is locked, wired connections to a computer or accessory are blocked.

Who can use Lockdown Mode?

According to Apple, certain users facing specific threats to their digital security can use Lockdown Mode.