Far from ending the software news with the last WWDC 2022, Apple has just revealed “isolation mode“. The new option will come to iOS 16, iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura, and will serve to put the device in question – iPhone, iPad, iMac, MacBook – under an ultra-security mode.
“Isolation mode offers an extreme level of security”, explains the company it’s a statement. It will be optional and intended for those users who, for work or other reasons, need it.
Isolation mode: what exactly is it
Isolation mode is thinking to be a layer of security like never before seen on these devices. Its focus: “victims of attacks with the most sophisticated digital threats, such as those of NSO Group and other private entities that develop spyware state-backed mercenary”.
That is to say, those – as Apple expresses – “few users” who, due to special conditions, need a device that is proof against high-level information theft attempts.
Therefore, it is not something that everyone needs or wants to activate. Among other reasons, because isolation mode reduces the actions that can be carried out with the iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Initially, the activation of isolation mode will bring with it the following restrictions:
- The attached files that are sent to the terminal through the application of Messages they will be blocked in the vast majority of cases, with the exception of images. Links cannot be previewed either.
- Complex web technologies, such as just-in-time (JIT) compilation of JavaScript, will be disabled during Web navegationunless it is expressly decided to authorize the site.
- No invitations or requests will be allowed in the Apple services, like FaceTime. Shared albums in Photos will be deleted.
- If the iPhone is lockedwired connections to the device will be automatically disabled.
- Fail to install configuration profiles (such as a VPN) or access mobile device management (MDM).
More secure terminals
The new tool comes at a time when parts of spyware such as Pegasus have proven to be potentially dangerous for the security of users of all types of profiles. From government presidents to journalists or activists, attacks directed against people by various organizations and even States occur.
Isolation Mode is an innovative feature that reflects our strong commitment to protecting users from the rarest and most sophisticated attacks.
Ivan Krstić, Head of Engineering and Security Architecture at Apple
For this reason, isolation mode promises to be a very useful tool for different profiles. Apple also promises to continue to constantly improve this utility, and offer up to 2 million dollars to those who manage to find security gaps in it.
How do I activate isolation mode?
Activate isolation mode on terminals with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or macOS Ventura It is something that can be easily done from Settings.
Again, this is a feature that is exclusively recommended for very specific profiles.
If this is your case, to do so, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Privacy and security.
- At the end, isolation mode will appear.
- Click on “activate isolation mode”.
- We confirm that we want to activate it and restart the terminal.