Apple Is Offering $2M USD to Hackers Who Can Exploit Their New Lockdown Feature

Apple has recently announced a Lockdown Mode for iOS 16, which allows individuals with high risks of cyber attacks to remain in communication while limiting their risk.

To ensure that no one breaches the already extreme security solution, Apple is offering up to $2,000,000 USD prizes for hackers who can exploit Lockdown mode and bypass it, claiming that it is the highest maximum bounty payout in the industry. “Apple makes the most secure mobile devices on the market,” Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of Security Engineering and Architecture, stated. “Lockdown Mode is a groundbreaking capability that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting users from even the rarest, most sophisticated attacks.”

The average daily user can still access this feature; however, it may not be necessary. The feature targets those more prone to attacks, such as world leaders, celebrities, influences, etc. When the feature is turned on — links and attachments are blocked in an SMS, most javascript is blocked on the web, incoming FaceTime calls from unknown numbers are blocked, wired connections can only be used once the phone is unlocked and configuration profiles and device management cannot be installed nor enrolled.

Lockdown Mode will be available in iOS 16, coming this fall.

In case you missed it, Apple is reportedly introducing a “pro” tier for Apple Watch.