iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura's new function 'Lockdown Mode' can block advanced spyware aimed at VIPs

' IOS 16 ', ' iPadOS 16 ' and ' macOS Ventura ' announced at WWDC22 in June 2022 have extremely advanced security functions designed to prevent hacking by journalists and activists targeted by the country. It turned out that 'lockdown mode' is installed.

Apple expands efforts to protect users from monetary spyware-Apple (Japan)
https://www.apple.com/jp/newsroom/2022/07/apple-expands-commitment-to-protect-users-from-mercenary-spyware/

Apple's new Lockdown Mode defends against government spyware
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/apple/apple-s-new-lockdown-mode-defends-against-government-spyware/

The lockdown mode announced by Apple this time is a security function installed in the beta version of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura released for developers on July 6, 2022, and will be officially released in the latter half of 2022. Once done, it will be available to all users.

Apple has described lockdown mode as 'for a very small number of users who could be the personal target of highly sophisticated digital threats by private companies developing monetary state-sponsored spyware such as NSO Group. Provides an extremely high level of optional security. Turning on lockdown mode on iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura will further strengthen your device's defenses and severely limit certain features, making it monetary. The area of attack that can be exploited by the highly targeted spyware you are looking for is significantly reduced. '

The specific effects of the lockdown mode are as follows.
-Message: Most attachments other than images are blocked, and some features such as linked previews are disabled.
Browsing: Complex web technologies such as JavaScript just-in- time compilers are disabled unless registered by the user as a trusted site.
-Apple's services: Call invitations and service requests, including FaceTime, are blocked unless the user has previously called or sent a request.
-While the iPhone is locked, wired connections with PCs and accessories are blocked.
-You will not be able to install configuration profiles or enroll devices in mobile device management.

The NSO Group, named by Apple, is an Israeli company known for developing the spyware Pegasus . Pegasus is an extremely powerful spyware that is sometimes described as 'the legendary holy grail that hackers have sought' and has been targeted by many politicians, dignitaries, scholars and journalists.

Smartphone monitoring software 'Pegasus' may have been used to monitor more than 180 journalists in 20 countries --GIGAZINE

Apple's Head of Security Engineering, Ivan Christitch, said in a statement, 'Lockdown mode is Apple's solid commitment to protect users from even the most ingenious attacks that occur very rarely. This is an epoch-making function that shows. '