Apple is known for prioritizing privacy and security, but there are additional measures you can turn to if you feel you need them. iPhones, iPads, and Macs have what’s known as a Lockdown Mode that takes protecting your data to a whole new level.
It’s clear that this isn’t for everyone: Apple describes it as being for those who feel they might be attacked by “the most sophisticated threats.” Think journalists working in dangerous regions, activists under threat from surveillance or censorship, or politicians with access to top secret information.
Anyone can turn it on and off as needed – you don’t need any special status or any particular kind of Apple account. It only takes a few taps or clicks, and you’ll have the highest level of security protection that Apple offers.
How Lockdown Mode protects you
It’s worth bearing in mind that there are some tradeoffs when using Lockdown Mode. The software you use will be limited in some of its functionality to give would-be hackers fewer ways to get at you and your data.
You’ll find most attachments in Messages blocked, while FaceTime calls are only permitted with people you’ve had contact with in the last month. In Photos, you can’t c …
