Apple says that nobody has ever been successfully hacked when their iPhone or other device was in Lockdown Mode, showing just how vital the security feature can be.
Lockdown Mode was launched in 2022 and has to be specifically enabled by the user. Once enabled, the feature hardens the device's security and has become the go-to option for people who could be a target for hacking.
While most regularly used on an iPhone, Lockdown Mode can also be enabled on Macs, iPads, and even Apple Watches. So long as the device is running iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, watchOS 10 or later, and macOS Ventura or later, Lockdown Mode can be enabled.
But while enabling the feature is one thing, it's never been clear just how reliable Lockdown Mode is. Now, Apple has the answer.
Successful mercenary spyware attacks
Seeking to tout Lockdown Mode's abilities, Apple spokesperson Sarah O'Rourke told TechCrunch that the feature has proven exceptionally reliable.
"We are not aware of any successful mercenary spyware attacks against a Lockdown Mode-enabled Apple device," O'Rourke told the outlet.
That will be music to the ears of people who would otherwise find themselves at risk of being hacked. Journalists, dissidents, and members politicians are prime targets for all kinds of people — including nation states using the latest spyware tech from NSO Group and others.
Apple even went so far as to send messages to those whose iPhones it felt may have fallen foul of hacking of some kind. And the launch of Lockdown Mode was a direct response to the fact that iPhones were no longer as secure as they were thought to be.
Once enabled, Lockdown Mode changes the way a whole host of features work. Those changes make devices more secure, but they do come with drawbacks that make the feature something most people shouldn't use.
Some examples include the blocking of most attachments in the Messages app, while link previews and even some links will be unavailable. The Photos app will also automatically remove location data from any photos that you share, too.
Other changes include the blocking of some website technologies, incoming FaceTime calls from new contacts, and more.
While all of these changes do have their downsides, Lockdown Mode is still worth the trouble for those at risk of being hacked. This latest news from Apple clearly shows that it works.
Enabling Lockdown Mode is easy. And we always recommend making sure you're running the latest version of your device's software and security updates as a matter of course.
