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As part of its continued effort to fight government-funded mercenary spyware, Apple will offer a new “Lock Mode” on iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. The average person will never use this setting, but should offer enhanced protection for the common goals of global governments, such as journalists and dissidents.
It seems that Pegasus spyware really pushed Apple to the brink. Developed by Israel’s NSO, Pegasus takes advantage of zero-click vulnerabilities to get into Apple devices. It is licensed to several foreign powers, including the United States and EU segments.
That said, Pegasus is best known for his association with the Saudi government. Spyware is regularly discovered on the phones of journalists and human rights activists in Saudi Arabia, including those imprisoned or killed. (Why is it worth it, the Saudi government also hit Jeff Bezos with Pegasus or similar spyware in 2018).
Because mercenary spyware like Pegasus takes advantage of zero-click vulnerabilities (which are discovered by reverse engineering Apple products), the lock mode must close those vulnerabilities. This means reduced functionality, especially when it comes to previewing images or files, FaceTime calls, and JavaScript.
“Lock mode is an extreme optional protection that should only be used if you think you can personally target a very sophisticated cyberattack. Most people are never the target of attacks of this nature.”
Apple also says it is pouring money into the Dignity and Justice Fund, which will try to combat mercenary spyware through education, coordination with advocacy groups and the development of forensic software tools. But because mercenary spyware is such a powerful diplomatic and economic tool, blocking mode seems to be the long-term solution for at-risk parties.
Lock mode debuts with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura later this year. According to Apple, the capabilities of the lock mode will increase to deal with the threat of new spyware.
Source: Apple