Apple Introduced Lock Mode on Wednesday announced a new iPhone feature called Lockdown Mode to protect high-profile users such as politicians and activists from state-sponsored hackers.
Apple Introduced Lock Mode disables some features on the iPhone to make it less vulnerable to spyware. Significantly reducing the number of features an attacker can access and potentially hack.
Specifically, it disables many preview features in iMessage, restricts JavaScript in the Safari browser. Prevents installation of new configuration profiles, blocks wired connections prevents device data from being copied and turns off incoming requests for Apple services including FaceTime.
The tech giant is paying up to $2 million to researchers who find vulnerabilities in lock mode.
The announcement comes months after revelations that government-sponsored hackers could hack newer iPhone models using a “zero-click” attack distributed via text messages.
iPhone makers are facing increasing calls from the government to address the issue. In March, US lawmakers pressed Apple for details about the attacks, including whether they could be detected. How many were see, and when and where they occurred. But state-sponsored attacks targeted by lockdown modes are different: they use costly tools sold directly to law enforcement agencies or sovereign governments. And use undiscovered bugs to break into the iPhone operating system. From there, attackers can, for example, control the user’s microphone and camera and steal the user’s browsing and communication history.
Lockdown mode is intend for a small number of people. Who believe they may be the target of government-sponsored hackers and require an extreme level of security. According to The Washington Post, victims of military spyware include journalists, human rights activists, and business executives.