Security News > 2022 > July > Apple’s Lockdown Mode

I haven't written about Apple's Lockdown Mode yet, mostly because I haven't delved into the details.

Lockdown Mode offers an extreme, optional level of security for the very few users who, because of who they are or what they do, may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those from NSO Group and other private companies developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware.

Turning on Lockdown Mode in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura further hardens device defenses and strictly limits certain functionalities, sharply reducing the attack surface that potentially could be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware.

Web browsing: Certain complex web technologies, like just-in-time JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless the user excludes a trusted site from Lockdown Mode.

Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management, while Lockdown Mode is turned on.

What they're doing with Lockdown Mode is the reverse: they're trading usability for security.

News URL

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2022/07/apples-lockdown-mode-2.html