iPhone fans are only just discovering 'extreme' protection setting hidden in Apple's iOS
Even if you think you're keeping your virtual vault locked up tight, you could be letting people into your iPhone without even knowing it.
Apple might try and reassure its users that 'what happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone', but numerous data leaks and breaches would suggest otherwise.
We've already covered how your iPhone could be sharing your photos without your consent, but much like we didn't know the feature was sneakily tucked away, there's an equally sneaky extreme protection feature we might be missing.
Called 'Lockdown Mode', Apple reassures us that it's been designed never to be used.
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As the official Apple site states, Lockdown Mode is "extreme protection that’s designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats."
Aimed to help those who are attacked by a 'sophisticated digital threat', Lockdown Mode does what it says on the tin and puts your phone into a tight lockdown to prevent data from being swiped.
Available on iOS 16 or later, iPadOS 16 or later, watchOS 10 or later, and macOS Ventura or later, Lockdown Mode stops your device working like it typically would. Apple explains how certain apps, websites, and features are 'strictly limited' or might not be available at all.
In terms of limitations, Lockdown Mode stops most Message attachments, blocks FaceTime unless you've previously spoken to someone, restricts locations on Photos, and changes how websites work.
You might find that websites low slower than usual, images might not appear, and there are different fonts.
Shared albums are taken out of the Photos app, while Lockdown Mode also blocks new Shared Album invitations. Elsewhere, your iPhone won't automatically connect to non-secure Wi-Fi networks, while also disconnecting from non-secure Wi-Fi networks.
To activate Lockdown Mode, you'll need to head to your Settings and then scroll to Privacy & Security. When turning on Lockdown Mode, you'll have to restart your device and enter your passcode.
When in Lockdown Mode, certain websites and apps can be excluded from it, although Apple warns you should only do this for trusted apps and websites.
Don't worry, as Lockdown Mode won't prevent features like SOS emergency calls from working.
As Apple repeatedly warns, Lockdown Mode is only for the most extreme of circumstances. There are plenty of ways your phone can be sabotaged, and not to worry you, but even using someone else's charger could leave your phone exposed.
Considering Apple only introduced Lockdown Mode in 2022, it shows how the tech giant has become more conscious of the continuing threat of cybersecurity and an increase in cyberattacks on our phones.