It’s hard to remember an Apple presentation that didn’t talk about user data security. This is one of the points the company always emphasizes. But, of course, there are no perfect things. Apple does not like the example with the company NSO Group and its creation Pegasus, thanks to which it is still possible to break the protection of the iPhone. There are already enough high-profile cases of the use of spyware.

With subsequent versions of operating systems, Apple devices will receive Lockdown Mode. This is a special mode of using a smartphone, tablet, and computer, which should protect the user from hacking if there is an increased risk. It is unlikely to be needed by ordinary users, but it can be useful for politicians, activists, public figures, etc.

“While the vast majority of users will never fall victim to targeted cyber attacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who do. This includes continuing to develop protections specifically for these users, as well as supporting researchers and organizations around the world who are doing the critical work of exposing the mercenary companies that create these digital attacks,” comments Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of Security Engineering and Architecture.

By activating Lockdown Mode, the user will be significantly limited in functions, due to which the risks of hacking the device increase. That is, the smartphone will block many types of attached files, disable the preview of web pages, refuse to support vulnerable browser technologies, will not accept FaceTime calls from unknown contacts, will disable the wired connection to the network and connected devices when the computer is turned off and will disable the ability to add configuration profiles or register in the mobile device management service.

In this way, the device protects the user’s data from outside “eyes and hands”. Apple itself calls the mod “extreme” and already allows you to test it in the third beta of iOS 16.

In addition to this, Apple has a reward program for found vulnerabilities in the system. The company is currently offering up to $2 million for finding such “holes” in Lockdown Mode security. According to them, this is the biggest reward in the industry.