Last Updated: October 31, 2023, 17:14 IST
iPhone users have this protection feature in case they fear spyware attack
Lockdown Mode: When Apple warns you of a threat, what should you do as an iPhone user?
Apple is known for being focused on the privacy of its users, be it while using the iPhone, iPad or Macs. The company looks to bring new tools that can help its users avoid major setbacks. And one such feature was launched in 2022 called the Lockdown Mode which ensures that Apple users are protected against spyware that could be launched by state-sponsored hackers.
The discussion around Lockdown Mode has been reginited this week after reports claimed that multiple Indian politicians and some journalists got a warning from Apple about a possible state-sponsored attack on their iPhones. The company has shared a set of tips to these users and asked them to enable lockdown mode for their device. So, what is lockdown mode, how does it work and how Apple protects users against advanced spyware with this tool.
What Is Lockdown Mode for iPhones
Apple decided to launch lockdown mode for iPhone users as the company admitted that it has not managed to protect iPhone users from spyware that can intrude into their devices. Over the years, governments have been allegedly using these spywares to target individuals that have some connection with them.
Using the Lockdown Mode, Apple promises to protect its users against the state-sponsored spyware which can be infected into devices.
Apple views this mode as an “emergency button” which might be helpful for a select number of iPhone users. The company says the mode is seen as a last resort for people who might be targeted by the spyware. Turning on the lockdown mode is up to the user as they can manually toggle the on/off switch. Apple believes that an extra layer of security will prove to be valuable for activists, journalists, and other targets.
iPhone Lockdown Mode – How Does It Work
So, what does the lockdown mode exactly do and how can it protect you against major spyware threats? But first, here’s how you can enable it for your device.
How To Enable Lockdown Mode On iPhones
– Head over to Settings on your iPhone
– Scroll down to Privacy and Security
– Look for Lockdown Mode at the bottom of the page
– Tap on the mode
– Apple shows you another dialog box informing you about the severity of using this mode
– Click on Turn on Lockdown Mode
When you enable the Lockdown Mode on your iPhone, it will shut down all the features that can be exploited by the hackers. In addition to this, all the attachments you have received or sent through the Messages app will be blocked, but images will be allowed. Apple will also block the link preview option.
But it is not limited to files, as the lockdown mode also ensures that all sources of communication with strangers are blocked. The company disables the option to get incoming invites, service requests, which include FaceTime calls that you get from unknown numbers. from strangers. Your device will not support wired connections with a computer or accessory in this mode.
The decision to bring the Lockdown Mode seems to have been made by Apple to thwart any possible intrusion by bad actors, and it has learnt from its episode with Pegasus spyware. The company had filed a lawsuit against NSO Group which had developed the spyware for iPhones.
