Although Apple’s new Lockdown Mode might seem like a terrific way to safeguard your device and data, it isn’t intended for regular use. Here is when and how to activate it.
Purpose of Lockdown Mode
With a new mode in iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, Apple hopes to increase device security for famous people who might be the target of cyber attacks. However, the device’s functionality will be severely constrained by this mode.
Most Apple users won’t ever be at risk from hacking tools or state-sponsored mercenary spyware.
Why would you use Lockdown Mode?
Lockdown Mode activates several security settings, modifies programs, and disables communications services. In this way, it becomes more difficult for outside parties to access or take control of your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Apple advises against using Lockdown Mode unless you think a high cyberattack may personally target you. It is an extreme, optional protection. The majority of people are never the target of such attacks.
Over time, Apple will keep enhancing Lockdown Mode and introducing more safeguards.
Security Measures available at the launch
Messages: The majority of message attachments are restricted, and some functionalities are not available.
FaceTime: Calls you get via FaceTime from someone you haven’t spoken to before are blocked.
Web Browsing: Some web technologies and browsing features are prohibited when using specific browsers.
Shared Albums: Shared albums will no longer be available in the Photos app, and new invitations to Shared Albums will no longer be accepted.
Device Connections: While your iPhone is locked, wired connections to any other device or accessory are banned.
Apple Services: You are prevented from accepting invitations to use Apple Services from anyone you haven’t already invited.
Available With iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, and iPad OS 16.1
All iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 compatible iPhones, iPads, and Mac models, as well as all Mac models running macOS Ventura, can access Lockdown Mode. That includes the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE devices from the second generation or later, the iPad mini and iPad 5th generation, the iPad Air 3rd generation, and all iPad Pro models.
Before activating Lockdown Mode, you must update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the Software Update function. You may still receive security updates to fix known vulnerabilities if your device is an older model, but you won’t get the newer, more advanced level of security.
How to Activate Lockdown Mode
You can toggle on Lockdown Mode in the Settings app if you feel it’s necessary for any reason:
- Open Settings on any device.
- Go to Privacy & Security by navigating.
- Lockdown Mode can be chosen by scrolling to the bottom.
- Choose to activate lockdown mode.
- Restarting the device will finish enabling Lockdown Mode. Go back to that menu in settings and toggle it off to turn it off again.
The procedure is nearly identical on a Mac. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, select “Lockdown Mode,” then “Turn On,” after which you will be prompted to restart your Mac.
You now have Lockdown Mode enabled after restarting your phone, iPad, or Mac. By going to the “Privacy & Security” menu and changing your mind, you can turn it off once more.
When should Lockdown Mode be Activated?
Apple makes it quite clear in its message that Lockdown Mode is not intended for regular users in everyday circumstances.
Lockdown Mode may be helpful for more people, such as powerful people, as Apple improves it and it may shield users from threats.
Lockdown mode’s attack vectors focus on targeted attacks using web-based technologies, social engineering techniques, and hard-wired hacking tools. This won’t necessarily shield you from law enforcement inquiries, data requests, or legal proceedings.
Lockdown Mode’s defenses against attacks are previously known to vulnerable people.
Final Words
The good news is that most people don’t need to be concerned about Lockdown Mode. The majority of users can continue using their iPhone, iPad, and Mac to the maximum extent since, according to Apple, “relatively few” people are vulnerable to the types of attacks that this mode is intended to stop.
