Apple has rolled out its highly anticipated iOS 17 update, which brings a slew of new and improved security features to iPhones. These enhancements are primarily designed to protect iPhone users, especially those at a higher risk of cyberattacks and spyware, such as journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. However, many of these new features have broader applications, benefiting the wider user base by enhancing privacy and security.
Enhanced Lockdown Mode Protections
The most significant addition to Lockdown Mode is its expansion to Apple Watch, making it available not only on iPhones, iPads, and Macs but also on smartwatches. This development is particularly timely as recent exploits have shown the capability to compromise the security of Apple Watch owners.
Lockdown Mode functions by selectively deactivating specific iPhone and Apple Watch features that have been previously exploited by spyware creators, such as iMessage and HomeKit. This significantly raises the difficulty level for unauthorized access and data theft.
Additionally, Lockdown Mode in iOS 17 now automatically removes geolocation data from photos when sharing them with others, protecting the user’s location information. It also blocks iPhones from connecting to non-secure Wi-Fi networks that could expose the device to network traffic analysis. Furthermore, Lockdown Mode thwarts connections to 2G cellular networks, hindering a range of cellular-based exploits used by law enforcement surveillance equipment known as “stingrays.”
Anti-Web Tracking Enhancements
The iOS 17 update enhances the Safari browser’s anti-web tracking capabilities. Safari will now remove tracking information from web addresses, making it significantly more challenging for websites and advertisers to track users across the internet. Users can enable this feature in Safari settings for private browsing sessions or apply it to all browsing activities, ensuring a more private and secure online experience.
Private browsing sessions will now require facial recognition or fingerprint authentication by default before opening private tabs, adding an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
Safety Check-In Features and Scam Prevention
Passkeys, the phishing-resistant password alternative used for secure logins, have received an update. Users can now share passkeys and passwords (if necessary) with friends and family. Importantly, these shared credentials are protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring only authorized parties can access them.
The new “Check In” feature allows iPhone users to share their real-time location with friends while traveling, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind. Importantly, this location data is also end-to-end encrypted, eliminating the need for third-party apps that may compromise user privacy.
Additionally, iOS 17 introduces Live Transcription, which converts a caller’s spoken words into real-time text on the recipient’s screen. This feature is particularly useful for identifying spam or scam calls without the need to answer them.
Apple’s iOS 17 update is a significant step forward in terms of user security and privacy, offering a wide range of features to protect users from cyber threats and enhance their digital experience.
