iOS 17 includes these new security and privacy features
Apple's long-awaited iOS 17 update for iPhone arrives today with a number of new and improved security features. Many of the new features are intended to protect iPhone owners who are more at risk from cyberattacks and spyware, such as journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. Other iOS 17 features are more suitable for a larger population, including web tracking, secure password storage, and easy sharing of newer phish-resistant passkeys.
And that's what we've seen so far.
New protections in insurance mode
The biggest plus of Lockdown Mode is that it now works on your Apple Watch, not just on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. That couldn't come soon enough, since recent exploits used to implant spyware were able to hack Apple Watch owners.
The lockdown mode works by selectively turning off some iPhone (and Watch) features that have been misused by spyware makers in the past, such as iMessage and HomeKit, making hacking the device and stealing its data more difficult.
iOS 17 lock mode also automatically removes location data from photos by default when you share photos with other people, such as where the photo was taken, which can reveal the person's whereabouts.
Another great feature means that iPhones in Lockdown Mode will automatically prevent joining unsecured Wi-Fi networks that may allow someone on the same network to analyze iPhone network traffic. The lock mode also blocks connections to second-generation cellular networks. This is intended to prevent a range of cellular phone-based exploits often used by cellular location simulators, or "stingrays," used by law enforcement to trick nearby phones into connecting to fake cellular base stations, tracking phone locations, and snooping on calls and messages. . Stingrays are controversial because they operate over a wide area and do not distinguish between the devices in which it is located.
More anti-web tracking features
The Safari browser for iOS 17 now removes tracking information from web addresses that can be used to uniquely identify your device and track you across the web. This makes it more difficult for websites and advertisers to figure out what other sites they access.
You can select this feature in Safari settings on iOS 17 to work when using Private Browsing, or you can apply it to all browsing sessions to make a real difference. This should not affect or disrupt your daily browsing experience.
Private Browsing will also be locked by default, prompting the device owner to scan their face or fingerprint before opening their tabs.
Security features at check-in and avoiding scammers
Passkeys, a phish-resistant password alternative that allows you to log in without worrying about your passwords being stolen, is now being updated. Many sites and services already support passkeys - Apple, Google, Microsoft, PayPal and many others. Before a long time has passed, you'll be password-free forever. You can now share passkeys (and passwords, if needed) with friends and family. Passkeys and passwords are shared using end-to-end encryption, so no one other than group members can access them, not even Apple.
Check In is a new feature that allows iPhone owners to share with friends when they plan to reach their destination safely. The feature monitors the person's location in real-time and will alert the friend if something seems to be wrong. This location data is end-to-end encrypted, eliminating the need for third-party apps that sold your location data to advertisers and data brokers.
Finally, the "live copy" feature is an added bonus for people who never want to be bothered by any unwanted or fraudulent call again. Instead of answering (or refusing to) the phone – both can notify the caller that the line is active – live transcription converts the caller's voice into text displayed on the screen in real time.