iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13 Ventura will feature a new enhanced security technology in the form of digital lockdown. Announced by Apple today, July 6, Special Mode is designed to provide extreme protection for users against “very complex and rare” targeted cyber attacks across the entire software architecture. The innovation will allow you to safely use messages, browser and applications, but in this case, the iPhone, iPad and Mac will not work as usual.
When digital lockdown is enabled, the OS automatically blocks the usual functionality – it will either be severely limited or completely disabled to minimize the possibility of spying and the threat of remote hacking. Total blocking will apply to certain features and services of iOS, iPadOS and macOS, as well as wired connection with other devices or accessories.
The technology includes the following protections:
- Messages app and iMessage – most types of attachments other than images are blocked, and some features, such as link previews, become unavailable;
- FaceTime – incoming calls and invitations via a link from unknown users who have not been called before are blocked;
- Safari and third-party WebKit-based browsers – Some web technologies and browsing features, including JavaScript compilation (JIT), are disabled unless the user whitelists a trusted site;
- Photos app – shared albums will be deleted after the lockdown mode is activated, and invitations to new shared albums will be blocked;
- when the iPhone, iPad or Mac is in lockdown mode, wired connections to other devices or accessories are blocked;
- Apple services – invitations to shared notes, calendar, iWork documents, reminder list and Safari tab groups from users who are not contacts are blocked;
- while lockdown mode is enabled, installation of configuration profiles cannot be completed, and the device cannot be registered as an administrator in a corporate environment (MDM).
As Apple clarifies, the digital lockdown regime is aimed at journalists, activists and government officials – in total, those who are most exposed to various cyberattacks from private spyware companies (for example, the infamous NSO Group, the creator of Pegasus). Last year, the tech giant, while continuing to ramp up its privacy efforts, began notifying users who may have been targeted by state-sponsored attackers through email and iMessage notifications.
In the future, the digital lockdown regime will be supplemented by other means of protection. Apple itself calls the technology revolutionary and capable of repelling an attack of any kind.
Source: Trash Box
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