New Delhi: As state-sponsored cyberattacks with government spyware such as Pegasus increase, Apple has previewed an extreme level of security that provides special additional protection to high-profile users who may be accused of developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware. There can be a risk of highly targeted attacks from private companies. Called Lockdown Mode, and coming this fall with iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, the new feature is extreme, optional protection that protects against serious, targeted threats to a small number of users, the company said in a statement. Let’s face it, the company said in a statement. Late Wednesday.
Evan Krustic, Apple’s Head of Security Engineering and Architecture, said, “Apple builds the most secure mobile devices on the market. Lockdown Mode is an unprecedented capability that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from the rarest, most sophisticated attacks.” ” ,Also read: Shocking! Apple AirTag secretly employed to track women around Disneyland,
While most users will never fall victim to highly targeted cyber attacks, “we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users,” he said. The new security feature comes after Pegasus Software targeted the iPhones of high-profile people. ,Also read: Apple Watch Series 8 may have a bigger display,
It was capable of reading text messages, tracking calls, collecting passwords, location tracking, accessing the target device’s microphone and camera, and accessing information from apps.
Apple said the lockdown mode provides an extreme level of protection for a very small number of users who, regardless of who they are or what they do, are perhaps personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as the NSO Group and others. Private companies that are developing state-sponsored spyware for hire.
Enabling Lockdown Mode in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura further hardens the device’s security and strictly limits certain functionalities, rapidly reducing the attack surface that could potentially This could potentially be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware, the company explained.
At launch, Lockdown Mode will block incoming invites and service requests, including FaceTime calls, if the user has not previously sent a call or request to the initiator. Wired connections with a computer or accessory will be blocked when the iPhone is locked.
“The configuration profile could not be established, and the device could not enroll in Mobile Device Management (MDM) while Lockdown Mode is on,” Apple said.
Apple is also offering a $10 million grant, in addition to any damages provided by the lawsuit filed against Pegasus developer NSO Group, to support organizations that investigate, disclose and prevent highly targeted cyberattacks .
Funding will go to the Dignity and Justice Fund, established and advised by the Ford Foundation.