Explained: What is Lockdown mode on iPhone and how it may keep you safe from ‘mercenary spyware’ attacks

iphone lockdown mode

Apple has reportedly sent notifications to users in 92 countries, including India, warning them about mercenary spyware attacks. These attacks — highly sophisticated in nature — can infiltrate a user’s iPhone compromising their data and privacy. Back in 2022, with iOS 16, Apple introduced Lockdown mode for iPhones. Here we explain what is lockdown mode and how it can keep users protected from dangerous cyberattacks

It is a rather extreme security feature available on iPhones and is designed to keep users protected from mercenary spyware attacks, among other threats. Apple categorically says that only users — government officials, activists, journalists — who believe they could be targeted should resort to it. On one of its support page, Apple says that most iPhone users will never be targets of mercenary spyware attacks. It is an optional feature but available to all. So if you think that you might be under threat from a dangerous cyberattack, it is advisable to activate it.

The iPhone doesn’t really work ‘normally’ when lockdown mode is activated. For instance, phone calls and plain text messages will work smoothly as ever, some other apps functionality is limited. If someone sends you a message attachment, then it might get blocked. Same goes for certain kind of images, videos, and even audio files.

If you use Safari as your primary browser on the iPhone, then as per Apple, there are certain “complex technologies” that might be blocked. This could lead to websites load time being increased or some sites may not apple. Certain images will not be shown in the browser and web fonts also might not be displayed.

FaceTime calls are also impacted. Unless a person is a contact or you’ve engaged in a FaceTime call with him/her, you will not be able to make or receive FaceTime calls. Other features in FaceTime calls like SharePlay and Live Photos are also not accessible.

If you share photos with anyone, then the location data and information will not be displayed. Shared albums are automatically removed from the Photos app and you will not receive any new Shared Album invitations.

You will also not be able to join any non-secure Wi-Fi networks. If there is a known Wi-Fi network — an insecure one — then you will be disconnected from it if the Lockdown mode is activated.

Follow these steps to enable Lockdown mode on iPhone

• Open the Settings app Tap Privacy & Security Scroll down and tap Lockdown Mode. Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode. Tap Turn On & Restart, then enter your device passcode

As mentioned earlier, lockdown mode is not meant for most iPhone users. However, if you feel that you could be a target, then it is advisable to activate it on your iPhone.