What was once considered a huge security feature to protect iPhone users is now viewed as a security threat. We’re talking about lockdown mode on Apple’s iPhones.
The company initially launched this as a major security enhancement to protect users from nation-state spyware such as Pegasus. But according to one privacy activist, it may have done some harm along the way.
According to security experts, this feature actually makes it much easier for a company’s website to detect when a person is using it. It shocked many people.
It’s amazing just to think about installing something on your phone as an extra security feature that can easily detect and target users.
Before we go any further, let’s take a quick look at lockdown mode for iPhone users. First of all, it was first introduced by the tech giant, his Apple, as a solution to notorious government spyware such as Pegasus.
Apple has confirmed that this is one of the most extreme protection modes users should use if they feel threatened or targeted by a serious type of cyber-attack. It also states that such attacks are generally rare against users, but it’s possible.
When the iPhone enters this mode, it obviously cannot function as it should. All features, web pages and applications are minimally functional for security reasons. Additionally, there are some features that are not available at all.
One common thing this mode does in the end is stop downloading customized fonts that exist across websites. Because this is just one way malware can get in. With so many good points outlined, I can’t help but wonder if there are any bad points.
You will be surprised to know that the answer is yes.
Thanks to information about the ordeal from Cryptee’s CEO and one privacy expert, we have news about how this factor creates risk. It’s essential that her website is aware of user browsers that can’t upload custom fonts. This is a big sign that lockdown mode is on on your iPhone. As you can see, this is a big trade-off between user privacy and security.
At the same time, there was a special mention of some features that this particular mode disables across iPhones. But if there’s one thing that’s most obvious, it’s certainly a lack of loading custom fonts. Attackers can quickly find it and exploit it to their advantage.
On average, it takes just a few minutes to generate code and do damage. And it’s been proven too. Now more security researchers are stepping forward and agree that this is a big risk.
So what is the solution? As a tech giant and a major iPhone maker, can Apple do anything to prevent problems like this?The answer is no.
Apple says it can’t treat this issue like a simple lockdown mode hijacking bug. There are unavoidable consequences when this type of protection is enabled.
Before we forget, Apple stresses that this issue is not an everyday iPhone user’s problem. Lockdown mode is restricted to those who feel they are under attack on a national level. Common examples include campaigners, politicians, lawyers, journalists and activists.
As you can see, the issue is more important to some people than others.
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