Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Apple has launched a new Lockdown Mode feature for iPhones, iPads and Macs.
- It enables a range of security features to fight mercenary spyware.
- This includes disabling wired connections and disabling most types of message attachments.
There is a concerning trend In recent years we have seen state actors and other entities buy spyware from private companies for targeted attacks on high profile people. However, Apple has provided a rather unique solution to this so-called rental spyware scourge.
Lockdown Mode is a new security mode on iOS 16, iPad OS 16 and MacOS Ventura, and it is indeed designed for the few people who are the target of state-sponsored spyware and other attacks. So what does it actually do?
Well, Apple has a laundry list of measures that take place when you activate Lockdown Mode:
- All message attachment types except images are disabled, while link previews are also disabled.
- Some web technologies such as just-in-time (JIT) Javascript compilation are disabled. However, a user can exclude certain websites from this promotion.
- Incoming Apple-related invites and service requests (e.g. FaceTime calls) will be blocked unless the user has previously sent you a call or request.
- Wired connections from your iPhone to your PC or other accessory are blocked.
- You cannot install configuration profiles or enroll in mobile device management.
In other words, this is an extreme security measure designed to significantly reduce the chances of a malicious actor installing spyware on your iPhone. Furthermore, Apple says it will add more features to the mode over time.
Anyway, this is something we haven’t seen officially on stock Android or major Android skins before (with the possible exception of efforts like Graphene OS). So we’d love to see something similar coming to stock Android, giving targeted individuals like journalists and activists some extra peace of mind.