Ask HN: Would you use Apple's Lockdown Mode when traveling to Taiwan?

by whitepoplaron 12/21/2024, 3:35 PMwith 7 comments

I'm traveling to Taiwan soon for several weeks and am wondering...is it advisable to enable Lockdown Mode on my iPhone during my trip? I'm just a regular person, not a person of interest by any means, but given Taiwan's issues with China, are Taiwan's network users susceptible to Chinese spyware? Thanks in advance!

by KomoDon 12/21/2024, 9:36 PM

> but given Taiwan's issues with China, are Taiwan's network users susceptible to Chinese spyware?

You could say this about the US too. The US has issues with China, are American network users susceptible to Chinese spyware? Chinese hardware is everywhere.

Do you enable Lockdown Mode in the US as well?

by talldayoon 12/21/2024, 3:57 PM

If China wanted to spy on your iPhone, they would have just installed an extra chip in it at the factory. If you don't daily-drive in lockdown mode, then I wouldn't bother using it in Taiwan either.

by sky2224on 12/21/2024, 8:02 PM

If you're genuinely concerned, you should get a separate device for your trip.

by whilemron 12/22/2024, 1:45 PM

For most travelers, basic cyber hygiene is enough.

by wryoakon 12/21/2024, 3:53 PM

I was in Taiwan in March just waving my iPhone around with no regard for my own safety like the dimwitted American I am. I guess China doesn’t really concern me - after all, I’m only a grocery store produce stocker.