Apple previews Lockdown Mode

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UPDATE July 6, 2022

Apple is previewing a groundbreaking security capability that provides specialized additional protection for users who may be exposed to highly targeted cyberattacks from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware. Apple also provides details of its $10 million grant to support research exposing such threats.

Lockdown Mode is the first major feature of its kind designed to provide extreme, optional protection for the very small number of users facing serious, targeted threats to their digital security.

Apple today detailed two initiatives aimed at protecting users who may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware. Lockdown Mode — the first major feature of its kind, coming this fall with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura — is extreme, optional protection for the very small number of users facing serious targeted security threats. digital. Apple also shared details about the $10 million cybersecurity grant it announced last November to support civil society organizations conducting research and advocacy against mercenary spyware.

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“Apple makes the most secure mobile devices on the market. Lockdown Mode is a revolutionary capability that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users against the rarest and most sophisticated attacks,” said Ivan Krstić, Head of engineering and security architecture at Apple." While the vast majority of users will never fall victim to highly targeted cyberattacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who do. This includes continuing to design defenses specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations around the world doing critically important work to expose the mercenary companies that create these digital attacks."

Lockdown mode provides an extreme, optional level of security for the very few users who, because of who they are or what they do, may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those of NSO Group and other private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware. Enabling Lockdown Mode in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura further strengthens device defenses and severely limits certain features, significantly reducing the attack surface that could potentially be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware. /p>

At launch, lockdown mode includes the following protections:

Messages: Most types of message attachments other than images are blocked. Some features, such as link previews, are disabled. Web browsing: Certain complex web technologies, such as just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from lockdown mode. Apple Services: Incoming invitations and service requests, including FaceTime calls, are blocked if the user has not already sent a call or request to the initiator. Wired connections to a computer or accessory are blocked when iPhone is locked. Configuration profiles cannot be installed and the device cannot enroll in mobile device management (MDM) when lockdown mode is enabled.

The lockdown mode capability further bolsters device defenses and severely limits certain functionality, greatly reducing the attack surface that could potentially be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware.

Apple will continue to strengthen Lockdown Mode and add new protections over time. Invite...