*The global tech giant says Lockdown Mode reflects its unwavering commitment to protecting users from even the rarest, most sophisticated attacks

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Apple has disclosed that Lockdown Mode is coming this fall with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura.

The global technology giant said it is extreme and optional protection for the very small number of users 鈥渨ho face grave, targeted threats to their digital security,鈥� CyberNews report said.

鈥淟ockdown Mode is a groundbreaking capability that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from even the rarest, most sophisticated attacks,鈥� said Ivan Krsti膰, Apple鈥檚 head of Security Engineering and Architecture.

Lockdown Mode聽 聽Photo: The Silicon Review

The company Lockdown Mode as a strategy designed to protect against sophisticated digital threats, such as those from NSO group and other private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.

Apple also stated that the new feature will strictly limit certain functionalities, reducing the attack surface.

Messages: Most message attachment types other than images are blocked. Some features, like link previews, are disabled.

Apple services: Incoming invitations and service requests, including FaceTime calls, are blocked if the user has not previously sent the initiator a call or request.

Web browsing: Certain complex web technologies, like just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from Lockdown Mode.

Wired connections with a computer or accessory are blocked when iPhone is locked.

Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management (MDM) while Lockdown Mode is turned on.

Besides, Apple has established a new category within its bug bounty programme to reward security researchers who find Lockdown Mode bypasses.

It further said: 鈥淏ounties are doubled for qualifying findings in Lockdown Mode, up to a maximum of $2,000,000 鈥� the highest maximum bounty payout in the industry.”

The Big Tech established a grant of $10 million to support organisations that investigate, expose, and prevent highly targeted cyberattacks, including those created by private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.

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