Apple offers a $2 million reward for cracking iOS 16 lockdown mode

Apple officially launched a new feature called "Lockdown Mode" at this year's WWDC. This new feature comes with the iOS 16 system and aims to combat "Pegasus" and other malicious software. Apple will offer the industry's highest $2 million bonus to encourage outsiders to crack iOS 16's locked mode. The Lockdown mode is an extremely strict security defence mode. The main application scenario is when users suspect that their mobile phone has a Trojan horse. Furthermore, it also protects the iPhone from monitoring by unknown sources.

When the iPhone is in lock mode, the system will block image attachments and link previews in most iMessages. Furthermore, it will block invitations through Apple services, such as FaceTime calls from strange numbers. In addition, iPhone data will be blocked until the device is unlocked. The user cannot install new remote management software and the Safari browser will disable the Jacascrip just-in-time compilation function. Also, the description file will not install. Lockdown mode will be available for developer testing this summer, with an official release this fall.

Apple lockdown mode is "impenetrable"

"While the vast majority of users will never fall victim to a targeted cyberattack, we still need to protect all users of Apple products," Ivan Krsti, Apple's director of security engineering and architecture, said in a statement. "Lockdown Mode is a breakthrough feature that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from attacks."

A mobile phone spyware called "Pegasus" has invaded more than 50 countries around the world. According to reports, the number of people who this malware is monitoring could be as high as 50,000. Once "Pegasus" invades a mobile phone, it can extract text messages, photos, emails, record calls, and remotely turn on the phone's microphone and camera without the user's knowledge. This poses a great threat to user privacy. Pegasus is a development by Israeli software surveillance company NSO to spy on more influential people such as journalists, lawyers and politicians. NSO Group has been sued by Apple and placed on a trade blacklist by U.S. officials.