You don’t have to worry every day about being the target of a state-sponsored cyber attack. But just in case it does, Apple released a new feature with iOS 16 that can protect your iPhone and the information stored on it (and other Apple devices). In recent years, governments and organizations around the world have used Pegasus — software created by cybersecurity firm NSO Group — to spy on activists, journalists and politicians. Pegasus software is intended to help governments track criminals and terrorists, but it is also being used maliciously to secretly read text messages, record phone calls, and steal important files. It can even be used to activate your iPhone’s camera and microphone to create new recordings. That’s why Apple has released a security feature that you can use to protect your iPhone from this type of attack. Called Lockdown Mode, the new iOS 16 setting is designed to combat attacks from malware and spyware like Pegasus. Read more: Pegasus Spyware and Citizen Surveillance: What you need to know This is not the first step Apple has taken against Pegasus and its maker. In September 2020, Apple released a software update that targeted Pegasus, allowing potential victims to receive threat notifications in the event they are breached. Again, the chances of being attacked this way are very small, but you should know how to protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know about the lock function on your iPhone. If you haven’t installed iOS 16 yet, here’s how and three things you should do right away.
What does Lockdown Mode do?
Lockdown Mode offers 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,” according to Apple. Those targeted by Pegasus software are these “very few users”. Essentially, the lock feature increases security capabilities in iOS by restricting certain features that may be vulnerable to attacks:
Most message attachments, except images, are blocked and features such as link previews are disabled. Web technologies, such as just-in-time JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless you opt them out of lock mode. Incoming invitations and service requests, such as FaceTime calls, are blocked if you’ve never called the person before. All Shared Albums in Photos are removed and any new invitations to Shared Albums are blocked. Any wired connections between iPhone and the computer or accessory are blocked. Configuration profiles, such as those for Apple’s public betas, cannot be installed. Your device cannot be registered with Mobile Device Manager.
Which devices support the lock function?
Currently, you can use the lock feature on any Apple device running iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or MacOS Ventura. You can download iOS 16 on your phone now. Read more: Will my iPhone run iOS 16? What You Should Know
How to Enable Lock Mode in iOS 16
As long as you are running iOS 16, you can easily enable the lock function within seconds. All you need to do is go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lock Mode, read the description, tap Enable Lock Mode, then tap Enable & Restart. Your iPhone will reboot immediately, after which the lock mode will be activated. If you go to Safari, you should see an Enabled Lockdown or Lockdown Ready banner at the top of the page, indicating that Lockdown is actually enabled and securing your iPhone.
Configure lock mode settings
While the lock feature provides broad security, you have a way to modify it to better suit your needs. As mentioned above, websites in Safari are severely restricted when in lock mode, but you can bypass these restrictions by blocking a specific website. To do this, launch Safari, go to the site you want to exclude, tap AA > Site Settings, turn off Lock Mode, and tap Turn Off. The banner at the top of the site should now read Lockdown Off. To see all your excluded sites, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Lock feature and tap Configure web browsing at the bottom of the page.
How to disable the lock function
Do you want to disable the lock function? Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Lock mode, tap Turn off mode lock, then tap Turn off and restart. When your iPhone boots up, the lock feature will be disabled and you’ll be able to use your iPhone as usual once again.
