On Wednesday, Apple announced a bunch of new iPhone security features it calls “Lock Mode” with the goal of protecting journalists and human rights workers from spyware. The lock mode will be available in the fall of this year and will provide iPhone users with a number of new security features, such as blocking message attachment types and disabling link previews. The announcement named the Israeli spyware manufacturer NSO Group and more generally referred to other companies that are in the same field of work that develop state-sponsored spyware. Lock mode limits certain features that reduce the potential attack surface that spyware typically exploits.
Apple referred to the lock mode as innovative, stating that it reflects the company’s commitment to protecting users from cyberattacks. Blocking mode will also disable some web technologies that could be used for an attack, but users can exclude certain trusted sites from blocking mode. In addition, security measures will block service requests and incoming invitations.
Read more: Apple announces “lock mode” to protect journalists and human rights workers from spyware