The little-known extreme ‘Lock Down’ mode that protects iPhone from bank-raiding attack as Apple issues emergency update
APPLE has a host of security measures to stop a bank-draining cyberattack in its tracks.
But its Lockdown Mode is one of the most “extreme” protection features you can get on an iPhone.
It essentially vaults all your precious data and sensitive information.
“Lockdown Mode is optional and should be used only if you believe you might be targeted by a highly sophisticated cyberattack, such as by a private company developing state-sponsored mercenary spyware,” according to Apple.
While most people are never targeted by this level of attack, Apple warned millions of iPhone owners last night of a sophisticated cyberattack against “specific targeted individuals”.
The tech giant urged customers to update their devices immediately to avoid falling victim.
For iPhone and iPad users with automatic updates on, the patch should already be installed.
Everyone else will need to go into their settings and download the fixes to iOS 18.4.1 and iPadOS 18.4.1.
The cyberattack affects dozens of Apple products, including nearly 30 iPhone models:
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd gen)
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd gen)
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
Apple’s security update, titled iOS 18.4.1, patches two cyber flaws.
One would have allowed malware to be spread through a dodgy media file, according to Adam Boynton, senior security strategy manager at cyber firm Jamf.
Sylvain Cortes, strategy vice president at Hackuity, noted that the media file could inject malware through an “audio stream”.
“For individual users and enterprise environments alike, prompt installation of iOS 18.4.1 is not just recommended, it’s essential,” said Cortes.
While the second flaw allowed hackers to access parts of a targeted iPhone’s memory.
Boynton added: “The fact that these two vulnerabilities are extremely sophisticated to exploit explains why Apple has only observed attacks against specific, targeted individuals.
“However, the limited scope of these attacks should not deter users from updating their devices promptly.”
HOW TO USE LOCKDOWN MODE
Lockdown Mode blocks key iPhone functionalities from working, such as:
- SharePlay
- Shared Albums
- FaceTime Live Photos
- FaceTime Continuity Handoff
This is so hackers can’t access your private information.
Apps, websites, and features are also strictly limited for security.
Here’s how you switch it on:
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode, then tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
If you’ve set up an Apple Watch with your iPhone, turning on Lockdown Mode also turns it on for the paired Apple Watch.
“For complete protection, all of your devices must have Lockdown Mode turned on,” says Apple.