Apple has announced a new security feature called ‘Lockdown Mode,’ which will be available for iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices later this year.
Apple has announced a significant change to iPhone security in an effort to make it more difficult for mercenary spyware firms like Pegasus-maker NSO Labs to target and hack iPhone users.
This follows several private cyber offensive companies discovering zero-day flaws and allowing their clients, typically government agencies and authorities, to hack into the devices of journalists, activists, dissidents, and others.
What is the new iPhone feature called Lockdown Mode?
The ‘Lockdown Mode’ feature, which will be available later this year for iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices, will reduce the attack surface for hackers on these devices by limiting the smartphone’s functionalities that could potentially be accessed by spy software.
The majority of message attachment types will be blocked, complex web technologies like some JavaScript compilations will be disabled, incoming invitations and service requests for Apple services.
like FaceTime will be blocked, wired connections between an iPhone and a computer will be blocked, and so on. Apple declared that it would keep adding new safeguards to Lockdown Mode in the future.
Why is Apple introducing these features?
Apple stated that these initiatives are designed to “help protect users who may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those developed by private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.”
To read our blog on “Apple will allow iPhone users to operate underwater in the future,” click here
