Apple's Restricted Mode USB: how to use the latest security feature of your iPhone

Apple has quietly introduced significant privacy protection as part of the new iOS 11.4.1 update that was released on July 9. Restricted USB mode prevents USB accessories plugged into the Lightning port from establishing data connections with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch if your iOS device has been locked for more than one hour. This small change seems to block the tools used by law enforcement to crack secret codes and bypass Apple's encryption and built-in measures to protect sensitive data from users.

What is USB restricted mode? a new "security protection" introduced in iOS 11.4.1. The company has not said as much, but it is believed that the USB restricted mode is Apple 's effort to combat devices such as GrayKey which are specially designed to help the forces of the'. order to decipher the code of an iOS device and recover normally protected data. iOS has built-in security features that prevent constant password passphrases, for example, when it locks your device after several incorrect attempts. But companies have apparently found a way to avoid these backups via USB and Lightning port. Now, Apple is trying to eliminate this method of access to a recovered or confiscated device.

Restricted USB mode works like this: after an hour of iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch sitting without being unlocked, iOS will essentially cut the Lightning port and limit it to the load only. This expiration time should theoretically stop devices like GrayKey (which plugs into an iPhone and splits the code in a matter of hours) from functioning properly.

"If you do not unlock your password-protected iOS device, or if you have not unlocked and connected to a USB device within the last hour, your iOS device is not communicating with your device. # 39; accessory or the computer. In some cases, it may not charge, "reads the Apple support page on the security function.

USB Restricted Mode is On by Default After Update

After you install iOS 11.4.1, Apple automatically turns on USB Restricted Mode immediately. You will need to unlock your iPhone or iPad to connect a USB accessory and make it work.After that – as long as it is attached – the accessory will remain connected and operational even if your iOS device is locked again. 19659008] Accessories for You may not be able to charge your iPhone unless you unlock it first

Apple notes that when a USB accessory is blocked when connecting to your iPhone, the charge can also be avoided. iOS devices normally charge when connected to a USB AC adapter but if you plug in a gadget that normally powers the USB power supply, you may need to unlock your iPhone or iPod iPad before things work (and reload) as usual This will vary from accessory to accessory.

It's easy to disable USB Restricted Mode

If you are not afraid that a person is wading through your iOS device, you can immediately disable the new security measure. Just go to Settings -> Face ID (or Touch ID) and Passcode -> USB Accessories. Enable this option (green) and your accessories will work exactly the same way as before iOS 11.4.1.

Apple says it might be a good idea for people who use assistive devices with their iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. "Many assistive devices automatically enable the setting to allow USB devices to connect for the first time," says the company. But if this does not happen, disabling the USB Restricted mode allows a quick tour of the Settings menu.

Restricted mode USB is not foolproof

Shortly after the publication of the feature, it was reported by ElcomSoft that to plug a USB accessory as the only one. Apple's iOS camera adapter before restricted USB mode is enabled is enough to reset the 60-minute clock and prevent your iPhone from locking its Lightning port. This is a workaround that Apple will probably fix sooner than later.