Apple introduced a new security option Wednesday on its devices, called „Lockdown Mode.” It can protect even against advanced hacking attacks and software used by government to take over an individual’s device. Lockdown Mode limits a number of features that spyware groups have exploited in the past. It is considered by Apple “an extreme, optional protection that should only be used if you believe you may be personally targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack.” It disables many features in iMessage, limits JavaScript on the Safari browser, prevents new configuration profiles from being installed, blocks wired connections preventing the device’s data from being copied and shuts down incoming Apple services requests. It’s intended to be used especially by high-profile users, such as politicians, activists, journalists or business executives.
“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,” Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of security engineering and architecture, said in a statement. Lockdown Mode will not be on by default, but can be turned on from inside the iPhone’s settings. After being turned on, Lockdown Mode can be turned off at any time .The new feature will be available for testing on a beta version of iOS this week. It will work on iPhones, iPads and Macs.
