Apple hacks: How to enable Lockdown Mode on your device if you suspect a cyber attack

Apple recently warned users of a mercenary spyware attack. While the threat doesn't affect all users, here's what you can do if you suspect a threat.

Published: Apr 11, 2024, 08:46 PM IST

Image: Pexels

Story Highlights

Apple has warned its users of a mercenary spyware attack.
This threat affects select Apple device users.
Suspecting users can enable Lockdown Mode on their Apple devices.

Apple has shared a notification with Apple device owners warning them of a mercenary spyware attack. This notification has been shared in 92 countries including India and it affects a select group of Apple device users who may have been targeted owing to what they do or who they are. Apple, in addition to warning the targeted users about the attack, has also issued a set of guidelines that the users who have received the notification can follow to safeguard themselves. This includes getting in touch with the experts at the Digital Security Helpline.

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Apple, in an update on its support page, noted that the mercenary spyware threat affects a small group of people. However, the users who suspect that they may have been targeted by a spyware can enable Lockdown Mode on their Apple devices to safeguard their data.

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What is Lockdown Mode?

Lockdown Mode is a security feature designed by Apple to protect users from some of the most sophisticated digital threats. Apple says that when Lockdown Mode is enabled, the Apple device won’t function like it typically does. “To reduce the attack surface that potentially could be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware, certain apps, websites, and features are strictly limited for security and some experiences might not be available at all,” Apple notes in its support page.

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What happens when you turn on Lockdown Mode on your Apple device?

Here is how your Apple device using experience changes on enabling Lockdown Mode:

— Most message attachment types are blocked, other than certain images, video, and audio. Some features, such as links and link previews, are unavailable.

— Some complex web technologies are blocked, which might cause some websites to load more slowly or not operate correctly.

— Incoming FaceTime calls are blocked unless you have previously called that person or contact.

— Features such as SharePlay and Live Photos are unavailable.

— Incoming invitations for Apple services, such as invitations to manage a home in the Home app, are blocked unless you have previously invited that person. Game Center is also disabled.

— When you share photos, location information is excluded. Shared albums are removed from the Photos app, and new Shared Album invitations are blocked.

— Your device won’t automatically join non-secure Wi-Fi networks and will disconnect from a non-secure Wi-Fi network when you turn on Lockdown Mode.

— 2G cellular support is turned off.

— To connect iPhone or iPad to an accessory or another computer, the device needs to be unlocked.

— Phone calls and plain text messages continue to work while Lockdown Mode is enabled.

— Emergency features, such as SOS emergency calls, are not affected.

Lockdown Mode is available in iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, watchOS 10 or later, and macOS Ventura or later.