Apple is previewing a groundbreaking security capability that offers specialized additional protection to users who may be at risk of highly targeted cyberattacks from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware. Apple is also providing details of its $10 million grant to bolster research exposing such threats.
The functionality, called “Lockdown Mode” (isolation mode), according to the Cupertino company, seeks to offer an extreme level of security for the small number of users who may be victims of targeted attacks with advanced espionage tools. Remember that these are usually used at the government level to spy on people with a high political or social profile, so most users will never be affected.
“The global spyware trade targets human rights defenders, journalists, and dissidents; it facilitates violence, reinforces authoritarianism, and supports political repression,” said Lori McGlinchey, the Ford Foundation’s director of its Technology and Society program. “The Ford Foundation is proud to support this extraordinary initiative to bolster civil society research and advocacy to resist mercenary spyware. موقع رياضي 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.”
Lockdown Mode, an extreme security functionality
This is an “extreme” functionality because users who want to benefit from that extra security, by activating isolation mode, will have to give up some features of their device, which are mentioned below.
- Messages: Most attachment types other than images will be blocked. Several features, such as link preview, will also be disabled.
- Web browsing: Certain web technologies, such as just-in-time (JIT) compilation of JavaScript, will be disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from isolation mode.
- Apple Services: Incoming invitations and service requests, including FaceTime calls, will be blocked if the user hasn’t previously sent a request or called the initiator. تعليم لعبة البوكر
- Wired connections to a computer or accessory will be blocked when iPhone is locked.
- Configuration profiles will not be able to be installed and the device will also not be able to access mobile device management (MDM).
The new isolation mode until the fall to see its arrival in iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, although those who use beta versions of the operating systems will probably have the possibility to get their hands on it in advance. Also, Apple says that it will continue to improve “Lockdown Mode” over time, so we could see an evolution of this functionality.
