Its answer to NSO: Apple introduces new security mode on iPhone
"The tool offers an extreme level of security to NSO's sophisticated digital threat," said a senior Apple official.
Activation of the feature sharply reduces the attack space that may be exploited.
And there is also a $ 2 million prize - if only you could find a way around the restrictions
Yinon Ben Shoshan
07/07/2022
Thursday, 07 July 2022, 07:03 Updated: 07:36
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Mobile phone with NSO logo (Photo: Flash 90, Jonathan Zindel)
Apple's war on NSO rises a notch: Technology giant yesterday (Wednesday) launched a new security tool for iPhones, iPads and Macs, known as Lockdown Mode, designed to block cyber attacks and intrusion of spyware against high-risk users - including journalists, government officials and politicians.
"Lockdown Mode is a groundbreaking capability that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from even the rarest and most sophisticated attacks," said Ivan Krestic, head of security at Apple.
"While the vast majority of users will never be victims of highly targeted cyber attacks, we will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users that do."
"The feature offers an extreme and optional level of security with the exception of very few users who, because of who they are or what they do, may be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those of NSO Group and other private companies,"
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"Lockdown Mode is a breakthrough capability." (Photo: GettyImages)
According to Apple, enabling Lockdown Mode on iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura further tightens device protection and strictly limits certain functions, sharply reducing the attack space that could be exploited by spyware.
For example, Apple warns in a message before launching the tool that "applications, websites and features will be restricted for security reasons. Some of the experiences offered by the device will not be available."
Among other things, the new tool will also block receiving calls - users will not be able to receive calls from a person they have not called in the previous 30 days.
Various web applications, the Safari browser and the messaging app (FaceTime) will also be restricted.
When you activate the feature, the messaging app will block any non-image file, and will not allow a preview of links.
"The feature offers an extreme and optional level of security against spyware" (Photo: Flash 90, Jonathan Zindel)
One of the common tactics for hacking a victim's device is phishing messages and malicious spam that contain malicious links or attachments.
If the victim clicks on the attachment or link (which leads to downloading damage to the device), this damage allows hackers to commit their evil acts.
As you may recall, Pegasus, NSO's spyware, exploited a bug in the iPhone's graphics system, and infiltrated the devices using GIFs (old and familiar image files) that were attached to SMS messages, but were actually more complex files.
How determined is Apple to block spyware?
The company has unveiled a program called Apple Security Bounty, which will reward researchers who find a way around the new $ 2 million bypass mode, with the goal of helping improve the new tool's protections.
technology
Privacy and security
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