Lockdown Mode improves security features in iOS.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Lockdown mode is a new security tool from Apple that is built into iOS 16. This mode is designed to counter attacks from malware and spyware like Pegasus.
Reported from CNET, Monday (11/7/2022), Lockdown Mode offers “an extreme level of optional security. This mode may be suitable for users who feel they are being targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats. It is known that those targeted by the Pegasus software are “very few users”.
Basically, Lockdown Mode enhances security features in iOS by limiting certain functions that may be vulnerable to attack:
- Most message attachments, other than images, are blocked and features such as link previews are disabled.
- Web technologies, such as just-in-time JavaScript compilation, are disabled unless you exclude them from Lockdown Mode.
- Incoming invitations and service requests, such as FaceTime calls, are blocked if you haven’t called the person before.
- All Shared Albums in Photos are deleted, and all new invites to Shared Albums will be blocked.
- Any wired connections between iPhone and your computer or accessories are blocked.
- Configuration profiles, such as those for Apple’s public beta, cannot be installed.
- Your device cannot register for mobile device management.
Which Devices Support Lockdown Mode?
Currently, you can use Lockdown Mode on any Apple device running iOS 16 or MacOS Venture. As of now, iOS 16 is only available as a developer beta, but is expected to be accessible as a public beta soon.
How to Enable Lockdown Mode on iOS 16
As long as you’re running iOS 16, which you can download now as a public beta for eligible phones, you can easily activate Lockdown Mode in seconds. All you need to do is head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown, read the description, tap Turn on Lockdown Mode then hit Turn On & Restart.
The iPhone will immediately reboot, after which Lockdown Mode will be activated. If you’re logged into Safari you’ll see a Lockdown Enabled or Lockdown Ready banner at the top of the page, indicating that Lockdown Mode is actually enabled and securing your iPhone.
Configure Lockdown Mode settings
While Lockdown Mode provides extensive security, you have ways to customize it to better suit your needs. As mentioned above, websites in Safari are severely restricted while in Lockdown Mode, but you can bypass this limitation by excluding certain websites.
To do this, launch Safari, open the website you want to exclude, press AA > Website Settings, turn off Lockdown Mode and tap Turn Off. The banner at the top of the website should now say Lockdown Off.
To see all your excluded websites, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode and tap Configure Web Browsing at the bottom of the page.
How to disable Lockdown Mode
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode, then press Off & Restart. When your iPhone reboots, Lockdown Mode will be disabled and you will be able to use your iPhone as normal once again.
