- Apple’s lockdown mode prevented the FBI from accessing a journalist’s iPhone data
- When enabled, Lockdown Mode disables several iPhone features
- It does so to protect against ‘highly sophisticated cyber attacks’
One of the big selling points for the best iPhones is Apple’s self-proclaimed commitment to privacy and security. It’s been put to the test several times over the years, and a recent standoff between the FBI and a Washington Post reporter once again proved useful for Apple’s protection.
The case concerns Washington Post journalist Hannah Natanson, who the FBI is investigating due to alleged leaks of classified information to the press. In a raid on Natanson’s home, the FBI seized an iPhone and a MacBook Pro owned by the Washington Post, as well as a MacBook Pro owned by Natanson, plus other electronic devices.
The Washington Post has filed a lawsuit that currently prevents the FBI from accessing Natanson’s data — but that hasn’t stopped the agency from trying to run up against Apple’s security measures.
In a filing opposing the one filed by the Washington Post, the FBI said that “Because the iPhone was in a locked state, CART could not extract that device.” CART is the FBI’s Computer Analysis Response Team, which attempted to remove data from the device.
Aside from the iPhone, FBI agents apparently forced Natanson to unlock the Washington Post’s MacBook using her fingerprints, although the agents were unable to access her password-protected personal laptop.
In 2024, a federal appeals court ruled that police officers could compel a suspect to unlock a device using biometric data, although this did not include forcing people to reveal their device passwords—hence the FBI’s lack of success with Natanson’s personal laptop.
How does Lockdown Mode work?
The case highlights the apparent value of Apple’s lock mode for high-risk users. We don’t know if Natanson’s work iPhone was locked using biometrics or a passcode, but unlike the laptop, it wouldn’t matter because the iPhone was secured using Lockdown Mode.
So what is this iPhone feature? Lockdown Mode, introduced in 2022, is a series of security measures intended to protect users who Apple says may be exposed to “highly targeted mercenary spyware” and “highly sophisticated cyberattacks.” It is available for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches.
Apple warns that enabling Locked Mode means your device “will not function as it normally does.” Most attachments in Messages are blocked, focus modes don’t work as normal, certain web browsing technologies are prohibited, image sharing is severely restricted, and more. Devices in locked mode cannot join unsecured Wi-Fi networks, while devices must be unlocked to connect to accessories and computers.
The kind of targeting that Lockdown Mode aims to protect against doesn’t affect most people, and its protections are described by Apple as “extreme”. However, if you feel that you are at risk and want to use Lock Mode, open the Settings app on your iPhone and go to Privacy & Security > Lock Mode > Turn on Lock Mode. Tap Turn lock mode back on, select Turn on and restart, then enter your passcode.
While it’s uncertain how the FBI’s case will progress and whether the agency has any ways around Lockdown Mode, the feature has so far shown its resilience against being cracked. If you feel your device may be at risk from governments, mercenary spyware groups, or the like, it’s a useful tool to have.
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