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Apple launches Lockdown Mode to block spyware attacks on at-risk users


Apple has announced a new security feature to protect high-risk users from spyware cyber-attacks.


Lockdown Mode will be available in the autumn with the next operating system across all of the company's iPhones, iPods and Macs.


The setting blocks certain functions and prevents unknown users from calling.


It comes after Apple devices owned by activists, politicians and journalists were infected with spyware.


Apple is currently suing Israeli spyware firm NSO Group, accusing it of targeting victims in 150 different countries with its powerful Pegasus spyware.


The firm's software could infect both iPhones and Android devices, allowing operators to extract messages, photos and emails, record calls, and secretly activate microphones and cameras.


NSO Group says its tools are made to target terrorists and criminals and insists it only supplies Pegasus to military, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies from countries with good human rights records.


When the extent of the alleged surveillance was revealed last July, Apple faced criticism from privacy and security experts for not protecting users.


It quickly released an emergency software update to all devices to patch up the vulnerability that Pegasus had secretly been using for years.


Now the company is releasing Lockdown Mode as a wider security feature it claims can protect devices from all known spyware currently on the market.


This article is from BBC News.

  • Apple launches Lockdown Mode to block spyware attacks on at-risk users