Apple has developed a “Lockdown Mode” to protect users who may be targets of spyware like Pegasus, according to a press release by the company. The update will be available to a small section of high-risk users and will be rolled out with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. [caption id="attachment_164844" align="aligncenter" width="732"] Source: Apple[/caption] Why it matters: The measure is significant in light of revelations brought to light by The Pegasus Project last year. An investigation by the project revealed that an Israeli company, NSO Group, sold its military-grade spyware to governments, who used it for surveillance against political dissidents, journalists, politicians, and lawyers, among others. The new feature is likely to help users fend off attacks from spyware and may encourage operating systems developers to follow suit. What does the feature entail: Lockdown Mode is an optional feature that offers an “extreme” level of security to users who, because of who they are or what they do, may be personally targeted by State-sponsored mercenary spyware developed by the NSO Group and other private companies. A user will have the option to turn on Lockdown Mode in their devices, which will solidify device defences but limit certain functionalities. The limitation will help in reducing the “attack surface” which is exploited by the spyware. [caption id="attachment_164846" align="aligncenter" width="732"] Source: Apple[/caption] Some features of lockdown mode: The capability will include the following protections— Messages: The company announced that most message attachment types other than images will be blocked in this…
