![Apple rolls out “lockdown” and claims protection from cosmopolitan cyberattacks Apple rolls out “lockdown” and claims protection from cosmopolitan cyberattacks](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/07/07/1062272-untitled-design-35.jpg)
New Delhi: As state-sponsored cyberattacks using state-sponsored spyware like Pegasus are on the rise, Apple has announced a preview of an extreme level of security that offers specialized additional protection for high-profile users who may be at risk of highly targeted attacks from private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware. The new feature, coming with iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura this fall, called Lockdown Mode, is extreme, optional protection for the very small number of users who face serious, targeted threats to their digital security, the said company in a statement late Wednesday.
“Apple makes the most secure mobile devices on the market. Lockdown mode is a game-changing feature that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from even the rarest and most sophisticated attacks,” said Ivan Krstic, Apple’s head of security engineering and architecture. (Also Read: Shocking! Apple AirTag Secretly Planted To Track Women At Disneyland)
While the vast majority of users will never fall victim to targeted cyberattacks, “we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users that are,” he added. The new security feature comes after high-profile iPhones were targeted by Pegasus software. (Also read: Apple Watch Series 8 Likely to Have a Larger Display)
It was able to read text messages, track calls, collect passwords, track location, access target device’s microphone and camera, and collect information from apps.
Apple said lockdown mode provides an extreme 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, such as: B. those of the NSO Group and other developing private companies government-sponsored mercenary spyware.
Turning on lockdown mode in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura further strengthens device defenses and severely restricts certain functions, greatly reducing the attack surface that could potentially be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware, the company said.
At launch, lockdown mode blocks incoming invitations and service requests, including FaceTime calls, if the user has not previously sent the initiator a call or request. Cable connections to a computer or accessory are blocked when iPhone is locked.
“Configuration profiles cannot be installed and the device cannot enroll in mobile device management (MDM) while lockdown mode is enabled,” Apple said.
In addition to claims for damages from the lawsuit against Pegasus developer NSO Group, Apple is also awarding a $10 million grant to support organizations investigating, detecting, and preventing highly targeted cyberattacks.
The grant goes to the Dignity and Justice Fund, established and advised by the Ford Foundation.