Apple Launches ‘Lockdown Mode’ For iPhone Users Who Need The Protection
In a bid to better protect iPhone users against mercenary spyware attacks, Apple announced it is debuting a new security feature known as ‘Lockdown Mode’.
The technology giant said the feature, which it calls “the first major capability of its kind,” will be coming to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura this fall.
Fortunately, most of us need not be too worried about invasive attacks on our devices, as Lockdown will primarily be used as “an extreme, optional protection” to safeguard “a very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security,” such as human rights defenders, journalists, and dissidents.
“While the vast majority of users will never be the victims of highly targeted cyberattacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who are,” said Ivan Krstic, Apple’s Head of Security Engineering and Architecture.
“That includes continuing to design defenses specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations around the world doing critically important work in exposing mercenary companies that create these digital attacks,” he added.
When launched, Lockdown will comprise several protections, including blocking message attachments, disabling link previews, and preventing incoming invitations (such as FaceTime calls) from users who have never previously initiated the request.
As the firm works on strengthening the feature over time, it is offering up to US$2,000,000 as part of its Apple Security Bounty program to researchers who locate bypasses within the mode and help improve its protections.
Furthermore, a US$10 million grant will be awarded as part of the Ford Foundation’s Dignity and Justice Fund to organizations investigating and exposing targeted cyberattacks, such as private companies tasked with creating state-sponsored spyware.
“The Ford Foundation is proud to support this extraordinary initiative to bolster civil society research and advocacy to resist mercenary spyware,” said Lori McGlinchey, Director of the Technology and Society Program at Ford Foundation.
“We must build on Apple’s commitment, and we invite companies and donors to join the Dignity and Justice Fund and bring additional resources to this collective fight.”
