How to Use Lockdown Mode in iOS 16 to Make Your Phone More Secure

Over the years, Apple has added new protections and safeguards to its software and hardware. Lockdown Mode is a new feature that will protect your devices from cyberattacks.

Lockdown Mode is similar to shutting the shutters, double-bolting the doors, and turning off the lights in your home. The logic is that if someone gained access to your device, the damage will be limited.

Attachments other than images are turned off in messages. Incoming calls from unknown numbers are not allowed. New shared album invitations are not allowed in the Photos app.

There are a number of web technologies that are turned off. Installation of configuration profiles can't be done.

Lockdown Mode can be enabled if you go to settings, Privacy and Security, and Lockdown Mode. To turn it on or off, a system reboot is required. The feature is described as something for users at risk from state-sponsored mercenary spyware, which sounds like high-profile targets, but anyone will be able to switch it on for additional protection.

"Lockdown Mode is an extreme, optional protection that should only be used if you believe you may be personally targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack," according to Apple's support documentation. Most people don't get targeted by this type of attack.

According to Apple, the idea is to reduce the attack surface that can be accessed by malicious software. Some of the tools developed by the NSO Group have the ability to read texts, track calls, collect passwords, monitor a user's location, and more.

Even if the call isn't answered, it's still all that it takes for the spyware to start working. There are plenty of other threats still out there, and plenty more that will be developed in the future, despite the fact that this particular piece of spyware is blocked from running on devices with the latest version of the OS.