Apple said Wednesday it will bring a new “Lock Mode” to its next iPhone and Mac software that will disable certain features designed to help individuals combat government-level spyware.
The tech giant said the new feature is “extreme optional protection” for device owners who are more likely to be attacked by nation states that use powerful spyware, such as journalists, activists and human rights defenders.
The feature comes after years of repeated and successful attacks targeting thousands of iPhone users around the world. Spyware manufacturers such as NSO Group, Candiru and Cytrox create exploits that go through the security protections of a device in order to plant spyware on behalf of their government customers. Apple usually quickly releases security updates for its devices, but broader efforts to bolster the iPhone’s security exploits against such exploits have not always been successful.
Security researchers say it’s not uncommon for government-level spyware to read messages, call logs, download photos, covertly record the device’s microphone and phone calls, take pictures with the phone’s camera, access Victim passwords and track phone location in real time.
A screenshot showing what the lock mode will look like in iOS 16. Image credits: Apple (supplied)
When you deploy “Lock Mode,” those who are subject to targeted hacking attempts can immediately disable various features, such as limiting code that can run on applications and websites, and severely limiting other areas of Apple software. , such as iMessage and FaceTime. , which have been abused by spyware makers to create exploits capable of planting spyware on iPhones.
Lock mode will also prevent iPhones and Macs from installing configuration profiles, typically used by organizations to implement configuration and security protections in device fleets, but also abused by quality spyware for to the consumer to secretly control and download the contents of a victim’s devices. Cable connections are also blocked when lock mode is turned on, preventing hardware forensic tools from downloading data from a device.
In a post, Apple said the new lock feature “further tightens the device’s defenses and strictly limits certain features, drastically reducing the attack surface that could be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware.”
Apple said the feature will come to iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, which will be released later this year along with Apple’s new iPhones.