Apple iOS 16's Lockdown Mode: How to Use It

Apple's hardware and software security features are continually being improved, and later this year, it will introduce Lockdown Mode to protect its devices.

Lockdown Mode: Apple iOS 16's New Security Feature 

Apple takes pride in the security safeguards built into its hardware and software and always works to improve these features. Later this year, Macs, iPhones, and iPads will get a new Lockdown Mode feature that promises to protect your devices against highly targeted intrusions.

As you might guess from the name, Lockdown Mode allows your devices to do a few things. This is so that if someone gets in without your permission, the damage will be limited.

To activate Lockdown Mode on an iPhone, go to Settings, Privacy and Security, then Lockdown Mode. Rebooting the system and entering the PIN is required. While Apple describes the feature for customers in danger from "state-sponsored mercenary spyware," anyone can turn it on for added security.

Apple doesn't want viruses and spyware to spread. Without the user's knowledge, spyware like NSO's Pegasus can read texts, track calls, get passwords, and track a user's location. The Lockdown Mode should make it harder for malware to get in. 

If a device is broken into, this mode limits the damage that can be done. You may turn it on if you are traveling or your phone is acting strangely.

Apple will update Lockdown Mode and start a program to reward people who find bugs. It might pay $2 million for a security flaw in Lockdown Mode. Funds can be requested by groups that are fighting malware and cyberattacks.

Representatives from various interested groups, such as The Engine Room, Amnesty Tech, Access Now, and the Citizen Lab, a security research organization operating out of the University of Toronto in Canada, will distribute that money.

Read Also: Apple Suppliers Allegedly Told Not to Include 'Made in Taiwan' Labels for Products Shipped to China

Why Does iOS 16 Need Millions of iPhone Upgrades this Autumn?

Millions of iPhone users may need to upgrade their devices when iOS 16 debuts this fall. This is due to the fact that iOS 16 is only compatible with iPhone 8 models and later, with some capabilities even requiring a later Apple device to work.

There are more reasons why this is terrible news for iPhone owners than simply the iOS 16 features you'll be missing. You won't get security updates for your iPhone if you can't upgrade to iOS 16, which obviously puts you in danger.

In recent years, Apple has started proactively releasing iPhone security patches virtually on a monthly basis. Some security patches addressed flaws in the iPhone and iPad that were already being exploited or utilized by enemies in actual assaults.

In the past, Apple updated iOS 14 months after iOS 15 with security updates. Although Apple didn't address every iOS 15 vulnerability with iOS 14, most iPhone owners may rest easy. Apple stopped updating iOS 14, so you required iOS 15 to safeguard your iPhone.

When an iPhone vulnerability was sufficiently critical, Apple has been known to provide upgrades for earlier operating systems. For instance, iOS 12.5.5 fixed the flaw that allowed "zero-click" Pegasus attacks. This is an uncommon event, however. To keep safe, you must be using iOS' most recent version.

Related Article: Apple's Security Update Fixes Zero-Day Vulnerability in Macs, Apple Watches

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