HOBI Weekly Blog Recap (1/30-2/3/23)
Apple is known for its dedication to user privacy when it comes to their devices, but despite the company’s security claims, certain users are still vulnerable to cyberattacks. Last year, the tech leader was criticized after a multitude of Apple devices owned by activists, politicians and journalists were all infected with spyware, a type of malware that hides by pretending to be another app and tracks online activity. For this reason, Apple has developed a new “Lockdown Mode” feature to help keep users’ data more secure.
When enabled, Lockdown Mode will activate five key protections:
- Blocks most message attachment types, and disables link previews.
- Several web technologies are disabled, including just-in-time (JIT) Java Script compilation.
- Disables and/or blocks Apple services including requests for Facetime calls from unknown numbers.
- Blocks wired connections with computers or accessories when the iPhone is locked.
- Prevents installation configuration profiles, and prevents the device from being enrolled in mobile device management (MDM).
The restrictions are only activated when Lockdown Mode is turned on, but because the feature limits certain capabilities on the device, and many users have no reason for such security measures, Lockdown Mode is geared more toward high risk users such as government leaders, political activists and journalists. The spyware firm responsible for the attacks last year has since claimed tha the technology was created to target terrorists and crimminals, and denies allegations of any other targeted attacks.
Data security is becoming increasingly important in this digital age, and though Lockdown Mode may seem like the right step, there are many ways to keep your data safe that won’t require you to disable half of your iPhone’s features and capabilities.
Lockdown Mode will be available on iOS 16, as well as iPads and Macs this Fall.
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