A little knowledge is a dangerous thing—and so it is with the most recent Apple security scare, forcing consumers to modify iPhone settings as attacks intensify. Concern is reasonable given one new cyber report warning "the mobile threat landscape" is developing "at an alarming rate as cybercrime groups target mobile devices in the early stages of their attacks." It is more complicated than it sounds, thus one change you should not do to your phone until you know the risks.
Lockdown Mode is the "hidden" (1, 2) setting on your iPhone. And with attacks on the increase, including shocking headlines implying iPhones may be even more at risk than Androids, it's not surprising users would skim these mainstream newspaper articles and make the change. But avoid.
Lockdown Mode is almost definitely not for you, and the drawbacks exceed the advantages. Apple cautions that some of the most advanced digital threats are "extreme protection meant for the very few people who may be personally targeted by based on who they are or what they do. Attacks of this kind most usually never target most people.Designed for politicians, activists, reporters, attorneys working in delicate areas of law, this mode and Google's Advanced Protection equivalent have been tailored. Highly sophisticated spyware attacks target this niche user group, users who might get one of Apple's infamous alerts, U.S. campaign operatives allegedly hacked in the most recent elections, others of that ilk.
Again, it makes sense that consumers would wish to use the "best" security protection available to guarantee all of their data stays safe and secure. < It comes naturally. Your iPhone will not function as expected, though, if you activate Lockdown Mode.
Apple cautions that "your device won't operate as it typically would when Lockdown Mode is turned on. Certain apps, websites, and features will be tightly limited for security to minimize the attack surface that could possibly be used by highly targeted mercenary spyware; some experiences may not be available at all. Message attachments will be deleted; web pages will not show as usual; some calls will be blocked; some photo albums will be missing; some wireless connections will be turned off; some accessories will stop working. Indeed, you will be safer.
You do not need this, though, unless you are in one of those extremely sensitive roles or have cause to be concerned about nation-state level strikes.
You should definitely follow the simple guidelines: make sure your phone runs the most recent iOS version and install fresh updates right away upon Apple releases. Though they come from Apple's App Store, be cautious of the apps you install and avoid granting rights that seem out of line given the main purpose of the app. Public WiFi networks should be avoided; make sure your web traffic is encrypted and never text or email sensitive data over such networks. Everywhere you can, default to fully encrypted texts and calls. Traveling using a bluechip VPN will help. Turn on limit location tracking and stolen device protection. Make sure FaceID and a strong PIN are turned on.
Additionally worth doing is Apple's Safety Check, accessible in Security & Privacy settings. This will show you who you are sharing data with, the apps using your information, devices connected to your account and which ones might access your phone.
Without resorting to "extreme" measures, these fundamental hygiene aspects will keep practically all users safe. Apple claims, "lockdown mode is designed for the very small number of individual users who may be targeted by extreme cyber attacks." Unless you know you are at risk, it is not something to use.
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