iOS 11.4 will come with a new security feature: Restricted Mode. This function can switch off the Lightning Port.
Elcom reports in a blog post that this feature is included in the current iOS 11.4 beta. Apple has introduced this new security mechanism to stop hacking iPhones with external devices.
To improve security, for a locked iOS device to communicate with USB accessories you must connect an accessory via lightning connector to the device while unlocked – or enter your device passcode while connected – at least once a week.”
The feature works as follows: if the iPhone is not unlocked for 7 consecutive days, it simply shuts off the data transfer capability for the Lightning port. Charging is still possible of course, but no connected device can communicate with the iPhone anymore, even known computers, which have been used for synch before. This is to prevent hacking over the Lightning port.
A simple and interesting approach that Apple has chosen. It’s nice to see that the company is putting iOS security first. The fight of secure encryption against free access by authorities continues.
