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As part of its ongoing efforts to combat government-funded mercenary spyware, Apple will offer a new “lockdown mode” in iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. The average person will never use this setup, but it should offer improved protection for general-purpose global governments, such as journalists and dissidents.
Pegasus spyware seems to have really pushed Apple over the edge. Developed by Israel’s NSO, Pegasus uses zero-click vulnerabilities to infiltrate Apple devices. It is licensed to several foreign powers, including the United States and segments of the EU.
However, Pegasus is best known for its association with the Saudi government. Spyware is regularly found on the phones of journalists and human rights activists in Saudi Arabia, including those who have been jailed or killed. (For what it’s worth, the Saudi government also hit Jeff Bezos with Pegasus or similar spyware in 2018.)
Since spyware for hire like Pegasus takes advantage of zero-click vulnerabilities (which are discovered by reverse engineering Apple products), Lockdown Mode should close these vulnerabilities. This means reduced functionality, especially when it comes to viewing images or files, FaceTime calls, and JavaScript.
“Lockdown mode is an extreme, optional defense that should only be used if you think you might be personally attacked by a highly sophisticated cyberattack. Most people have never been subject to attacks of this nature.
Apple also says it’s putting money into the Dignity and Justice Fund, which will try to fight mercenary spyware through training, coordination with advocacy groups and the development of software forensics tools. But because spyware is such a powerful diplomatic and economic tool, Lockdown Mode appears to be the long-term solution for countries at risk.
Lock Mode debuts with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura later this year. According to Apple, Lockdown Mode’s capabilities will grow to meet the threat of new spyware.
Source: Apple
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