Consumer electronics giant Apple (AAPL) has introduced a new feature for its iPhones called “Lockdown Mode” that is designed to protect high-profile users such as politicians and activists from state-sponsored hackers.
Lockdown Mode turns off several features on the iPhone to make it less vulnerable to spyware. The new security measure reduces the number of features that hackers can access on the iPhone.
Specifically, it disables preview features in iMessage, limits JavaScript on the Safari browser, prevents new configuration profiles from being installed, blocks wired connections and prevents the device’s data from being copied, and shuts down incoming Apple service requests, including FaceTime.
Apple has unveiled Lockdown Mode months after revelations that state-sponsored hackers had the ability to hack iPhones with zero-click attacks that are undertaken through text messages. These attacks can occur even if a person doesn’t click on a link.
Apple has faced growing calls from governments to address vulnerabilities on the iPhone. In March of this year, U.S. lawmakers pressed the company about attack, including whether the company can detect them and how many had been discovered.
Lockdown Mode is intended for people who think they may be targeted by a state-sponsored hacker and need an extreme level of security. Victims targeted by military-grade spyware include journalists, human rights activists, politicians, and business executives.
Apple stock is down 22% this year at $142.92 U.S. per share.
Lockdown Mode can be turned on from inside the iPhone’s settings with a single tap, Apple said. It will also be available for the company’s iPads and Mac computers going forward.
Apple also said that it will pay $2 million U.S. to any researchers who find a security flaw in its new Lockdown Mode.
