Apple Inc. released the Lockdown Mode, a new smartphone software feature developed to protect targeted users from state-sponsored hackers. These users could include politicians, activists, and other influential people.
Notably, the Lockdown Mode will disable several functionalities on the iPhone to reduce its susceptibility to malware by drastically cutting down the number of features that intruders can access and potentially hack.
It essentially turns off various iMessage preview features, limits JavaScript in Safari, prevents the installation of new configuration profiles, turns off wired connections, and shuts down incoming FaceTime and Apple services requests.
Interestingly, researchers who find a security hole in the new feature will be rewarded up to USD 2 million from the tech giant. The new feature will also be made available for iPads and Macs soon.
The revelation comes months after it became known that state-sponsored hackers could access current-generation iPhones through "zero-click" attacks that were spread through text messages. These attacks might succeed even if the target doesn't click on a link.
Governments are pestering the iPhone manufacturer to address the issue more frequently. Even some U.S. regulators inquired Apple in March about attack specifics in detail and reach its root cause and developed solutions accordingly.
Although the Lockdown Mode will target state-sponsored attacks, however, these attacks vary from other attacks such as getting into the iPhone operating system using extremely costly tools that are sold exclusively to law enforcement or sovereign governments.
Apple’s Lockdown Mode is designed for the small group of users that need a highest level of security as they believe they could be the target of a state-sponsored hacker. Journalists, human rights activists, and corporate executives are among those who have fallen victim to military-grade malware.
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