The new feature, called “lock mode,” will initially be made available as a beta so security researchers can help Apple identify any bugs or weaknesses.
Apple says it will roll out a “lock” option to iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers for the purpose of protection from state-sponsored spyware hacker – although enabling that protection would also make these devices less useful.
The protections announced Wednesday are a tacit admission that even Apple – the world’s most valuable company – cannot adequately shield the iPhone and its other products against intrusions from outsiders. state-backed commercial hackers and spyware. Governments have used these tools to invade the privacy of journalists, dissidents and human rights activists.
The new feature, called “lock mode,” will initially be made available as a beta so security researchers can help. Apple define any bug or weakness. Apple usually releases major updates to its device’s operating system at the end of September.
Although only a few countries have the resources to develop mobile devices internally phone hacking tools, private companies like Israel’s NSO Corporation have been selling phone hacking software to government agencies around the world for years.
Growing rental hacker problem spurred Apple filed a federal lawsuit late last year against NSO group to break into iPhones and other Apple products. In its complaint, Apple accuses NSO Group employees of being “unscrupulous mercenaries of the 21st century who have created highly sophisticated cyber-surveillance apparatus to dictate their actions.” routine and flagrant abuse”.
NSO, which has been blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce, has denied any wrongdoing and said its products have been used to deter child abusers and terrorists.
Unlike the security features that Apple integrates into most of its software, the company’s lock feature is meant to serve as an emergency button that Apple expects will only be needed by a few. user.
Lockdowns are considered a last resort for people targeted by spyware, as activating a lockdown disables many common features. That includes sending attachments and links in text, as well as the ability to receive FaceTime calls from new numbers. Browsing will also be restricted.
But Apple believes the extra layer of protection will be valuable to activists, journalists, and other hacking targets launched by well-funded groups. Users will be able to enable and disable the lock mode at will.
The growing use of encrypted communications through phone apps like WhatsApp and Signal has led governments to turn to commerce. Spyware providers to collect information about targets.
Such cell phone spyware sucks up text messages, emails and photos while secretly controlling the microphone and camera of the smartphone. Some of the more advanced tools can infect phones using so-called “no-click” exploits that don’t depend on the user inadvertently activating them, such as by clicking a link. toxic results.
Google, whose Android mobile phone platform is used by iPhone rivals, has also been targeted by commercial spyware vendors. The company’s threat analysis team says it’s monitoring more than 30 such companies and regularly publishes reports of exploits used to break into phones, making them less effective. much.
Google also offers an “Advanced Protection Program” that uses special security key hardware to make user accounts more difficult to hack. The company said it specifically recommends the program to “journalists, activists, business executives, and election participants.”
In addition, Apple also provided more details on the $10 million in funding it pledged last November to help combat the massive scale. hack attacks. The money will go to the Dignity and Justice Foundation, a charitable arm of the Ford Foundation.
