One Tech Tip: Master iPhone's Lockdown Mode
Understanding Apple's Lockdown Mode
A lesser-known security feature on iPhones has recently gained attention after it successfully prevented U.S. federal authorities from accessing a device seized from a reporter. This feature, known as Lockdown Mode, played a key role in protecting the iPhone of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson during a search of her home. The FBI attempted to extract data from her phone, but according to a court filing, they were unable to do so because it was in Lockdown Mode.
The incident involved the seizure of Natanson’s iPhone, along with two MacBooks and other electronic devices, as part of an investigation into a Pentagon contractor accused of illegally handling classified information. While the FBI managed to unlock the MacBook using her biometrics, the iPhone remained inaccessible due to Lockdown Mode. This raises questions about what Lockdown Mode is and how it functions.
What is Lockdown Mode?
Lockdown Mode is an advanced security feature designed by Apple to protect against "extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyberattacks." It is not intended for the average user but rather for individuals who may be at higher risk of digital threats due to their profession or personal circumstances. According to Apple's support page, most people will never face attacks of this nature.
This feature is available in newer versions of Apple's operating systems, including iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. When activated, Lockdown Mode imposes strict security limits on certain apps and features, effectively reducing the attack surface for advanced spyware. It also restricts the use of specific browser technologies and limits photo sharing capabilities.
Can Apple Turn It Off?
Apple has consistently resisted government requests to create backdoors for its devices. In 2016, the company refused a request from U.S. authorities to bypass the lockscreen security of an encrypted iPhone belonging to a suspect in the San Bernardino terrorist attack. Apple also declined to add an ability to input passcodes electronically, which would have made it easier to perform brute force attacks to guess the combination.
Apple has stated that intentionally weakening its products with a government-ordered backdoor would be wrong. This stance has been reinforced by the recent incident involving Lockdown Mode, where the feature prevented unauthorized access to a device despite a legal warrant.
How to Turn On Lockdown Mode
To activate Lockdown Mode, users must ensure their iPhone, iPad, or MacBook is updated to the latest software version. The feature must be turned on separately for each device.
On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security. Scroll down to the bottom and tap on Lockdown Mode. Enter your passcode — not a facial or fingerprint scan — to activate it. The device will restart, and you will need to use your passcode again to unlock it. For MacBooks, follow a similar process through the System Settings menu.
Apple recommends enabling Lockdown Mode on all of your Apple devices for maximum security.
Passcodes vs. Biometrics
Many users assume that facial or fingerprint recognition is sufficient for securing their devices. However, experts suggest that passcodes are more secure than biometrics when it comes to protecting against law enforcement. This is because authorities can compel individuals to unlock their devices by holding the phone up to their face or forcing them to place their finger on the scanner.
In the case of Natanson, the FBI could not compel her to provide her passcodes, but the warrant allowed them to use her biometrics to unlock her devices. Despite this, she did not use biometrics to lock her devices, and the FBI ultimately unlocked her MacBook using her fingerprint.
Impact on Device Functionality
When Lockdown Mode is enabled, some apps and features may behave differently. Websites might load slowly or not work properly, and certain images and web fonts could be missing due to restrictions on complex web technologies.
In Messages, most types of attachments are blocked, and links and link previews are unavailable. Incoming FaceTime calls are blocked unless they come from a number you've called in the past month.
In Photos, location information is stripped from shared photos, and shared albums are removed from the app. Focus mode won't work normally. There are also tighter restrictions on connecting to unsecure Wi-Fi networks or other computers and accessories.
During testing, some apps warned that certain functions might not work. One news app used a different font, and some website photos were replaced by question marks. The biggest disruption occurred when trying to check in at the gym using a QR code, as the camera wouldn't work in Lockdown Mode.
How to Turn It Off
To disable Lockdown Mode, follow the same procedure used to turn it on. Enter your passcode, and the device will restart. This will restore normal functionality to your Apple devices.
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