Apple announced a preview of a new feature called "Lockdown Mode," which will add additional protection to devices running iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13 Ventura from being compromised by hired spyware backed by private companies and national governments.
"Lockdown Mode" is expected to be released with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13 Ventura this fall. It will provide users of iPhone, iPad or Mac models with additional protection to prevent data stored on the device from being stolen by spyware, giving users in enterprises and government agencies greater peace of mind.
Lockdown Mode provides the following protections:
• Messages: Blocks most message attachment types except images, and disables some features such as link previews.
• Website Preview: Disables certain complex web technologies, such as Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation, unless the user excludes trusted websites from Lockdown Mode.
• Apple Services: Block incoming invites or service requests, including FaceTime calls, if the user has not first sent a call or request to the initiator.
• When iPhone is locked, wired connections to computers or accessories are restricted.
• When “Lockdown Mode” is enabled, profiles cannot be installed and the device cannot be added to Mobile Device Management (MDM).
In addition to announcing a preview of the "Lockdown Mode" feature and planning to release it with the new operating system this fall, Apple also allocated $1000 million as threat research funds last year. In order to further strengthen security protection, this time, a new category has been established in the Apple Security Bounty Program, which will attract more people to explore vulnerabilities in the "Lockdown Mode" function with a maximum reward of $200 million and help improve protection measures.
In addition, Apple plans to donate $1000 million to support the investigation, exposure, and prevention of highly targeted cyberattacks, or attacks by nation-state-sponsored, privately developed, and hired spyware and organizations.
