On Wednesday, Apple shared details of a new, advanced version of the security option named Lockdown Mode for Apple device users who may face sophisticated cybersecurity threats. 

According to the technical details of the new security update, users can avail this Lockdown Mode this fall with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. This extreme version of security feature is designed for a few users such as government officials, journalists, and activists, who are easy prey of NSO Group or other private state-sponsored mercenary spyware. 

Ivan Krstić, Apple's head of security engineering and architecture, called Lockdown Mode "a groundbreaking capability". "While the vast majority of users will never be the victims of highly targeted cyberattacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who are. That includes continuing to design defenses specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations around the world doing critically important work in exposing mercenary companies that create these digital attacks." 

Lockdown Mode includes the following protection features:

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

Following the updates, Lori McGlinchey, the Ford Foundation’s director of its Technology and Society program, said, “The global spyware trade targets human rights defenders, journalists, and dissidents; it facilitates violence, reinforces authoritarianism, and supports political repression...” 

“…The Ford Foundation is proud to support this great initiative to bolster civil society research and advocacy to resist mercenary spyware. We must build on Apple’s commitment, and we invite companies and donors to join the Dignity and Justice Fund and bring additional resources to this collective fight.”