Security or Convenience – Apple Will Give You a Choice

Apple has a great history of making things convenient for users. That is their legacy. But convenience often does not mean secure and in Apple’s case, that is the case.

iOS 16 will contain what Apple is calling Lockdown Mode. It is designed to block the activities of software like NSO Group’s Pegasus and other software.

In fairness, Apple says this represents an extreme, optional protection for a very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security.

Examples of folks that might consider using it are government officials, activists, lawyers and journalists. Not mentioned, but senior executives should consider this as well, especially if there is sensitive information in their company.

But here is the downside. IT WILL BE INCONVENIENT.

I suggest that more users should at least consider this option, even if it means inconvenience.

So people will need to choose between being more secure or convenience. Many will choose convenience and the Chinese, Russians, Iranians and North Koreans thank them in advance. It will make their jobs so much easier.

Some attachment types are blocked in lockdown mode.

Wired connections with a computer or accessory are blocked when an iPhone is locked.

Configuration profiles cannot be installed.

Lockdown mode will also block URLs in iMessages appearing as an active link. Of course there is nothing to stop a user from copying and pasting that malicious link into a browser.

Lockdown mode will work on Macs, iPhones and other Apple devices.

Apple thinks they have done a good job here. They are offering bug bounties of up to TWO MILLION DOLLARS for bugs in Lockdown mode.

Credit: PC Magazine, Tech Crunch and The Daily Swig

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