IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you have a concern that you may be the victim of illegal surveillance through the use of spyware and you wish to have evidence of this provided to a court of law, follow these security steps* to Contact NSI Global Today for a confidential consultation. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SPYWARE FROM YOUR DEVICE AS YOU MAY DESTROY VALUABLE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR CASE.
What is iOS 16 Lockdown Mode?
Lockdown Mode is a feature in iOS 16 that helps protect your iPhone or iPad against illegal spyware and sophisticated cyberattacks, such as the Pegasus spyware that has been used to target journalists, activists, and other high-profile individuals. When Lockdown Mode is enabled, in order to minimise further data loss and surveillance, your device will limit certain apps, websites, and features that could potentially be exploited by the attackers. For example, most message attachments will be blocked, some web technologies will be disabled, incoming FaceTime calls and invitations for Apple services will be restricted, and shared albums will be removed from the Photos app. Lockdown Mode is designed for the very few people who might be personally targeted by spyware and other cyber attacks. Most people are never exposed to such attacks and typically do not need to enable Lockdown Mode.
How Does iOS 16 Lockdown Mode Protect My iPhone or iPad?
When you activate Lockdown Mode, many apps and features will be restricted and function differently. Some apps are even unavailable in Lockdown Mode, while phone calls, common text messages, and Emergency features can continue to work. Here are some major features that are restricted:
- Most message attachments will be blocked, except for certain images, videos, and audio. Some functions like links and link previews will be disabled.
- As some complex web technologies are blocked, parts of websites are likely to load more slowly or even not operate properly.
- FaceTime calls will be blocked unless you have called that person before.
- Your iPhone or iPad will not connect to other devices or accessories under the Lockdown Mode.
- You will not be able to install configuration profiles on your iPhone or iPad or enroll it in Mobile Device Management or device supervision whilst it is in Lockdown Mode.
When Should You Use iOS 16 Lockdown Mode?
If you suspect your iPhone or iPad is infected by illegal spyware or under cyber attack, you are suggested to use this mode to protect your data security. However, most people won’t need to use Lockdown Mode as it restricts your iPhone seriously, deeply affecting your work, interaction, and life.
How to Enable and Disable iOS 16 Lockdown Mode on iPhone or iPad
If you are concerned your iPhone or iPad is currently targeted by spyware or cyber attacks, you can follow these simple steps below to enable iOS 16 Lockdown Mode:
Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, and tap on the Privacy & Security option.
Step 2: Under the Security menu, tap on the Lockdown Mode option, and click Turn On Lockdown Mode.
Step 3: Then, click Turn On & Restart, and input your iPhone or iPad passcode to verify. Your device will be in Lockdown Mode when it restarts.
After the Lockdown Mode is turned on, you’ll receive notifications showing that your apps and features are limited, and see a banner in Safari indicating Lockdown Mode is on. If you want to turn off iOS 16 Lockdown Mode, you can go to:
- Settings click Privacy & Security
- Choose Lockdown Mode, and then tap Turn Off Lockdown Mode followed by Turn Off & Restart.
- The Lockdown Mode will be disabled after your iPhone is restarted.
Where to from here?
This guide serves to help you lock down your iOS 16 iPhone or iPad whilst in the middle of an active illegal intrusion on the device by spyware or cyber attack. It will not remove the spyware or provide evidence of the exact method of intrusion. When lockdown Mode is disabled the spyware will still be present and the cyber attacks can both resume unimpeded. iOS Lockdown Mode is meant for extreme circumstances and will buy you some time to have the device professionally examined by NSI Global’s Digital Forensics Experts.
Digital Forensics is a branch of forensic science that encompasses the extraction of data (both deleted and current) and system files found in digital devices (e.g., mobile phones and computers) and the analysis, investigation, and reporting on the analysed data to a legal standard.
Digital Forensic deleted data recovery investigations and digital forensic spyware investigations have a variety of applications, from use in the private sector for personal reasons, to corporate and government investigations for analysis into insurance and workplace fraud, intellectual property theft and espionage, and for legal matters that require evidence for family, civil and criminal proceedings, among others. Please follow the steps below after enabling lockdown mode to safely contact NSI Global today.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you have a concern that you may be the victim of illegal surveillance through the use of spyware and you wish to have evidence of this provided to a court of law, follow these security steps* to Contact NSI Global Today for a confidential consultation. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE SPYWARE FROM YOUR DEVICE AS YOU MAY DESTROY VALUABLE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR CASE.
Seeking Help If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or violence related to spyware or any other issue, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-RESPECT) offers 24/7 free, confidential support. In emergency situations, call 000.
PLEASE NOTE: NSI GLOBAL WILL NOT PROVIDE SERVICES TO ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATION.
