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Apple’s Lockdown Mode: Four Years of Zero Successful BreachesAfter almost four years since its launch, Apple has confirmed a significant milestone in consumer cybersecurity: no user with Lockdown Mode enabled has been successfully hacked with mercenary spyware. In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple spokesperson Sarah O'Rourke confirmed that the company is not aware of any successful attacks against devices protected by this feature, representing a four-year streak of effectiveness against some of the most sophisticated state-sponsored hacking tools in existence.The Architecture of Resistance: How Lockdown Mode WorksLockdown Mode is an opt-in security feature designed to harden Apple devices against exploits that are typically used by state-sponsored actors. By restricting certain functionalities, the feature effectively shrinks the attack surface available to hackers.Feature Restrictions: It disables most message attachments and restricts WebKit features.Targeted Threats: It specifically counters exploits used by notorious spyware vendors like the NSO Group, Intellexa, and Paragon Solutions.Zero-Click Exploits: It blocks remote attack chains that do not require user interaction, such as zero-click exploits.Security experts, including Patrick Wardle, describe this as one of the most aggressive consumer-facing hardening features ever shipped. By eliminating entire delivery mechanisms, the feature forces spyware developers to use more complex and expensive techniques to bypass the defenses.The Zero-Breach MilestoneDespite Apple sending notifications to users in over 150 countries alerting them to potential hacking attempts, the data remains clear: Lockdown Mode has not been bypassed in any confirmed case. Independent investigations by organizations like Amnesty International and the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab have corroborated Apple's findings.Independent Verification: Amnesty International's Donncha Ó Cearbhaill confirmed no evidence of successful compromise where Lockdown Mode was active.Active Blocking: Citizen Lab documented instances where Lockdown Mode actively blocked attacks from NSO's Pegasus and Predator spyware.Evasion Tactics: Some spyware variants have been observed to abort attacks entirely if Lockdown Mode is detected, likely to avoid detection by security researchers.Shifting the Burden of Defense to the ConsumerThe success of Lockdown Mode marks a pivotal shift in the cybersecurity landscape. Historically, high-end security was the domain of governments and large corporations. Apple is now effectively forcing the burden of defense onto the individual consumer.While the feature requires users to accept a trade-off in usability—such as extra steps for copying links or occasional confusing notifications—the data suggests the trade-off is worth it for high-risk targets. The feature has successfully neutralized the most common vectors used by mercenary spyware, rendering them ineffective against the vast majority of attackers.The Future of Digital HardeningLooking ahead, the success of Lockdown Mode sets a new standard for consumer device security. As spyware vendors adapt to this new reality, we can expect a cat-and-mouse game where attackers attempt to find new vulnerabilities. However, for the foreseeable future, Lockdown Mode remains the gold standard for protecting individuals from state-sponsored digital intrusion.

India has taken a significant step to shield its consumers from the impact of rising global energy prices, slashing fuel taxes in the face of increasing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The move aims to prevent a sharp increase in fuel prices that could have been triggered by the crisis.Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Friday that the government had decided to reduce petrol duties from 13 rupees ($0.14) per litre to 3 rupees ($0.032) per litre. Additionally, the 10-rupee (0.11) per litre duty on diesel has been completely removed, effective immediately.The decision comes as oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel following Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz after Israel and the US launched attacks on February 28. India, being the world's third-largest crude importer, relies heavily on this passageway for its crude oil supply, with about 40 percent of its crude coming through the Strait of Hormuz.Despite concerns about potential shortages, authorities have assured that there is no shortage of crude and that current reserves will cover 74 days. The government also moved to quash rumours of an impending lockdown, with Minister Puri stating that such claims are 'completely false' and that India is 'resilient.'The impact of the tax cuts on pump prices for ordinary consumers remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that oil companies previously selling at a loss are likely to benefit from the tax reductions. According to economist Madhavi Arora from Emkay Global, the annualised fiscal hit from these cuts is estimated at nearly 1.55 trillion rupees ($16.3bn).In a related move, finance authorities have reimposed export taxes on diesel and aviation fuel, raising them to 21.5 rupees ($0.23) and 29.5 ($0.31) rupees per litre respectively. This comes after the taxes were previously scrapped in 2024.

Al Jazeera recently had the opportunity to visit a historic palace in Iran that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace, which suffered significant damage during a war, offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and the impact of conflict on its architectural treasures.The palace, a testament to Iran's architectural prowess, stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by war, the site continues to attract visitors and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.Al Jazeera's visit to the palace provides a unique perspective on the intersection of history, culture, and conflict in the region. The palace's story serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve cultural sites for future generations.

A deadly projectile attack from Lebanon has struck northern Israel, resulting in at least one fatality. The incident has heightened concerns about the security situation along the Israel-Lebanon border.The projectile, which originated from Lebanon, hit a location in northern Israel, causing significant alarm and prompting a swift response from Israeli authorities. Details about the type of projectile and the exact location of the incident are still emerging.This latest development underscores the ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel, a region that has experienced periods of heightened conflict and instability. The incident is being closely monitored by international observers, who are concerned about the potential for further escalation.

The music of Bluey, the beloved Australian TV show, has captured the hearts of both children and adults worldwide. With over 4.8 billion minutes watched in Australia alone and 126 million streams of its theme song, the show's soundtrack has proven to be a crucial element in its success. Composer Joff Bush shares the secret to creating music that 'hits you in the feels.' According to Bush, it's all about seeding elements of music throughout an episode to create a powerful emotional payoff. For example, in the episode 'Sleepytime,' Bush used Gustav Holst's Jupiter from The Planets to convey the idea that a child's parents will always be there to love and support them. The new album, Up Here, features a chamber orchestra and marks a significant milestone in the show's music journey. Bush notes that the use of a chamber orchestra was initially met with skepticism but has ultimately resulted in something truly special. 'It's really ambitious, but having that many adults dedicate their craft to make this music as beautiful as it can be, for children? It was just wonderful.' The music of Bluey is not just emotionally devastating; it's also incredibly joyful. Children who spoke to the Guardian described the opening song as 'making them happy' and perfect for games like musical statues. For adults, the music often evokes strong emotions, with many confessing to watching the show after their kids have gone to bed. Bush's approach to scoring Bluey is rooted in his understanding of the show's themes and his own experiences as a father. 'Watching it now, I get it – why a certain episode hits you in the feels more.' His daughter even got to conduct the orchestra during a recording session, leaving her 'enamoured' by the experience.

UK car production experienced a significant decline in February 2026, with 17% fewer cars rolling off production lines compared to the same period in 2025. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this downturn is attributed to a sharp drop in exports, which fell by 12% overall.The industry is sounding the alarm, describing the situation as 'extremely worrying.' Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, emphasized that these figures pre-date the crisis in the Middle East, which is expected to further strain the sector. The ongoing conflict has led to soaring global energy prices, potentially denting consumer demand and exacerbating the decline.UK carmakers are facing challenges in key markets, including China, where demand has cratered due to the rise of domestically made competitors. Additionally, US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump have put pressure on UK manufacturers. Exports to the EU did see a 5% increase, but this was offset by a 34% decline in exports to the US and a 66% plunge in exports to China.The production of battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid cars also experienced a decline, falling by 3% to 26,629 units. Despite this, these vehicles accounted for 40% of total output.The industry's current challenges stand in stark contrast to the UK government's ambitions, as outlined by Labour, to have 1.3 million vehicles manufactured annually by 2035. This target is nearly double the 764,715 cars and vans produced in 2025.The SMMT has warned that if the UK is not fully included in the EU's proposed 'Made in Europe' manufacturing rules, European sales could take a hit. The Japanese carmaker Nissan has threatened to close its Sunderland plant if these rules are introduced, citing potential damage to the £70 billion-a-year cross-channel trade.

Electropop artist Slayyyter has found success with her new album Worst Girl in America, a chaotic and over-stimulating concoction that scratches an anarchic itch in the listener. The album's sound is a far cry from her earlier work, embracing a midwest trash aesthetic that's both nostalgic and visionary.Slayyyter, born Catherine Grace Garner, has been making music for over a decade, but it's taken her several cycles of chasing hits and experimenting with different sounds to find her true voice. Her aim was simple but risky: to make something cool – fuck anything that sounds commercial, fuck TikTok. And it seems she's succeeded, with fans and critics alike praising her new direction.The album's singles, such as Crank and Cannibalism, have introduced a sound that's sharper, sleeker, and filthier, with a vibe tuned to a precise heartland sleaze. Slayyyter's music is a hedonistic kaleidoscope of motel parties, unfinished basements, trucker hats, and taxidermy, a unique blend of influences that's both captivating and refreshing.Slayyyter's journey to this point has been marked by burnout and depression, but she's emerged with a newfound sense of creative freedom and a determination to make music that's true to herself. As she says, “I’m not, like, looking for a mainstream moment. But if one happens, that’s great.”With Worst Girl in America, Slayyyter is poised to make a significant impact on the music scene, offering a fresh perspective and a bold new sound that's sure to resonate with fans and critics alike.

David Chase, the creative mind behind HBO's groundbreaking series The Sopranos, recently shared insights into how the show transformed both his life and television history. The 80-year-old creator revealed that his seminal work was born from personal pain, particularly stemming from his complex relationship with his mother.While in London promoting HBO Max's UK launch, Chase reflected on how The Sopranos elevated HBO from a little-known network focused on sports and standup comedy to a powerhouse of prestige television. Despite the show's monumental success, Chase remains characteristically modest, attributing much of the achievement to luck rather than his own genius."I'd been taking network notes and eating network shit for however many years, and I was done with it," Chase explained of his decision to create The Sopranos after years working on network television shows like The Rockford Files and Northern Exposure. The creative freedom offered by HBO proved transformative, with the network providing minimal notes throughout the series' run.Chase revealed that the show's central premise—a mob boss seeking therapy—was directly inspired by his own difficult family dynamics. "In 1967 at the height of the Vietnam war, my mother said to me, 'I'd rather see you dead than avoid the draft,'" he shared. "I had to create a whole TV series to get over it."The interview also touched on Chase's complex relationship with James Gandolfini, who portrayed Tony Soprano. While acknowledging their creative tensions, Chase defended Gandolfini's commitment to the role, emphasizing that the actor never refused to perform scenes despite his struggles with the character's darkness.When asked about his legacy nearly two decades after The Sopranos concluded, Chase offered a simple yet profound reflection after a long pause: "God is in the details."Looking ahead, Chase discussed his upcoming limited series about MKUltra, the CIA's experimental program that sought to weaponize LSD. The project will explore scientists Sidney Gottlieb and Jolly West, who became consumed by their research into psychedelic substances. "They all went crazy and it became like the big party drug of the 1970s," Chase noted of the scientists' descent.The creator also expressed disappointment about a previously announced project, "A Ribbon of Dreams," about early cinema, which was ultimately shelved after HBO insisted on filming in western Canada. "I thought, 'What are you talking about? I don't even want to go into this,'" Chase recalled of the network's decision.

The UK government's borrowing costs have risen above 5% amid an intensifying global bond market sell-off fueled by the Iran war. The yield – or interest rate – on 10-year debt hit its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, rising 13 basis points to 5.081%, as investors acted on concerns about the economic fallout from the conflict.Borrowing costs also rose for the US and eurozone governments, underscoring growing turbulence in the global financial system after Donald Trump's extension of a deadline for a peace deal failed to soothe jittery investors. Financial markets worldwide slumped on Friday, extending falls seen since the outbreak of the war, with losses in London and across major US and EU trading hubs. The price of Brent crude remained above $110 a barrel.Kathleen Brooks, the research director for the UK at the financial trading platform XTB, said: “Markets feel more panicky this week, and Friday’s price action suggests that investors are losing faith in Donald Trump’s ability to end this war and reach a deal with the Iranians.”Economists have warned that the Bank of England could be forced to take a tough approach to tackling inflation after losing some of its credibility by underestimating the leap in inflationary pressures in 2022. The increase in borrowing costs will add to the challenges facing Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, amid pressure on Labour to provide a package of financial support for households already reeling from a cost of living crisis.