iOS kiosk mode security – everything you need to know

You may have encountered public iPhones or iPads used for check-out, airport check-in, menus, and product catalogs. Ever wondered how secure these devices are and what mechanisms enable iOS kiosk mode security? How does the kiosk configuration restrict devices to run only one app and block other access? What stops a user from simply exiting the app and accessing other data on the device?

The key security feature that enables this functionality is iOS Kiosk Mode, which converts standard, consumer-grade iPads and iPhones into secure, restricted, and dedicated public devices.

What is iOS kiosk mode?

iOS kiosk mode is a restriction method that locks iPhones and iPads into a single app or a defined set of apps. This prevents users from accessing other device functions. Users cannot navigate to the Home Screen, switch apps, or change device settings.

A common example is the iPad in a restaurant, where the system configures the device to just display the menu. This secure confinement creates a controlled environment, ensuring the device performs only its intended function.

For simpler, temporary use cases, users can achieve kiosk mode in iOS devices through Guided Access. However, administrators should use Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions for increased restrictions and enterprise-grade security.

Types of kiosk modes you can achieve through an MDM solution are:

1. Single app mode
   Single app mode restricts the device into a single application, completely blocking all the other functionalities. Organizations use these devices in dedicated-purpose kiosks, such as a public information kiosk that only provides all necessary information.
2. Autonomous single app mode (ASAM)
   ASAM mode restricts the device only when the user launches a specific app or performs a particular action. However, the device comes out of the restricted mode when the user exits the app. For instance, institutions use these devices for online examinations, where an app restricts the device and prevents other activities until the exam is completed.
3. Multi-app mode
   In multi-app mode, administrators can configure the device to display a set of selected apps while hiding the others. For example, a field worker who needs a specific set of apps or tools to do their daily tasks.

Though kiosk modes primarily restrict the functionality of end point devices, they also secure confidential business data and prevent the misuse of devices installed in public places.

Why iOS kiosk security is non-negotiable

Key risks involved in unsecured kiosk deployments are:

• Unauthorized access: If not properly secured, unauthorized personnel can bypass the kiosk settings and access sensitive internal information or personal user data.
• Data leaks: A lack of robust security measures exposes confidential business data to risk.
• Malware risks: Public devices are more prone to malicious attacks, which can compromise the device’s functionality and spread across the business network.
• Theft or tampering: Devices which aren’t being monitored through proper security measures have a higher risk of getting stolen or damaged.

iOS kiosk mode provides a highly secure, comprehensive lockdown capability, offering a robust first layer of defense against all these threats.

How Hexnode’s iOS kiosk mode enhances security

Hexnode enhances iOS Kiosk security by requiring Apple Supervision and providing granular control over device functions and web apps. This allows for mandatory passcode exits and robust remote management to maintain compliance.

• Device supervision & enrollment control
  Apple requires an iPad or iPhone to be supervised before it can enter Kiosk Mode. Supervision is the process of enrolling the devices via the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) or Apple Configurator. This prevents the removal of the MDM profile from the device and ensures the device restrictions are not bypassed. This is a key security measure that stops users from gaining full device control.

What is Apple device supervision?

• Granular control over device functions & controls
  Through advanced kiosk settings, you can deploy enhanced security measures beyond just restricting the apps. Advanced settings include disabling hardware controls such as touch, volume controls, and device rotation, and other functions such as auto-lock. This prevents users from performing unauthorized actions that could tamper with the kiosk functions.
• Web app or browser lockdown
  In addition to just app restrictions, you can also restrict kiosk mode to web apps. Through advanced website kiosk settings, you can blocklist or whitelist URLs and disable browser control buttons such as reload and share options. Additionally, you can also automate the kiosk to clear cache and browse history. This secure approach prevents users from navigating to unauthorized websites, accessing confidential user data, and bypassing the kiosk mode.
• Remote management & reporting
  Administrators can remotely manage kiosks through UEM consoles. Admins can apply security policies, monitor device status, compliance check, and generate detailed reports. This consolidated overview of the kiosk mode usage helps detect security vulnerabilities, ensuring the kiosks remain secure, compliant, and functional. Remote monitoring also allows admins to exit kiosk mode or reboot a frozen device, without needing physical intervention.
• Passcode for exit & settings change
  A user can only remove kiosk mode by providing a password. Even while offline, administrators can configure the devices to remain in kiosk mode. This prevents users from overriding the kiosk mode through unauthenticated methods, while the network is down. This strict password policy prevents theft and physical tampering of the devices as well.

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Best practices for implementing kiosk mode securely in iPhones & iPads

Achieve advanced kiosk security by combining Apple Supervision and a robust MDM solution. Follow these best practices to implement strict lockdowns, maintain continuous remote management, and protect your public devices.

• Use Apple supervised devices
  The iPad or iPhone used for kiosk mode should be supervised using Apple Configurator or Automated Device Enrollment before enrolling it using an MDM solution. Apple supervision adds advanced security features which are not available for devices in unsupervised mode.
• Employ a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution
  Use a trusted MDM solution to remotely manage, update, and monitor the kiosk devices. Apple devices can be integrated with MDM solutions through Apple Business Manager (ABM) or Apple School Manager (ASM). This makes bulk deployments of security policies easier.
• Enforce strong passcodes
  Set up strong passwords and policies to exit the kiosk mode, which prevents unauthorized people from trying to bypass the kiosk mode or accessing the device’s general settings.
• Enable auto-launch & full screen mode
  Configuring auto-launch of the app when the device is powered on and enabling full-screen mode can enhance the overall user experience of the Kiosk.
• Disable hardware buttons/features
  Disabling hardware controls (Power, Volume) and features like auto-lock, screen rotation, cameras, microphone and touch screen can prevent users from tampering with the kiosk functionality.
• Keep software updated
  Update the iOS operating system and kiosk mode applications to ensure the latest security patches and policies are applied.
• Monitor & audit through RMM
  Continuously monitor devices and check logs to detect any suspicious activities. A dedicated Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) system, integrated within the MDM can proactively check device health, battery life, and send real-time alerts for compliance violations.
• Implement content filtering
  Implementing strict content filters can enhance security by controlling users’ access to unauthorized websites and hence protecting the kiosk device from web-based malware attacks.
• Enable lost mode & remote wipe
  In case a kiosk device gets stolen or misplaced, enabling remote wipe can protect sensitive data, while lost mode can facilitate recovery of devices.
• Implement network security measures
  Ensure the kiosk devices are connected to a dedicated and secure VLAN or Wi-Fi network. Implementing a VPN or a firewall and using strong encryption protocols like WPA3 can protect the networks from cyber-attacks.
• Kiosk customization for branding
  Enforce custom branding (e.g., custom wallpaper, locked screen layout) using MDMs to ensure the device is clearly identified as a dedicated kiosk unit. Thus, kiosks become aesthetically pleasing and offer an enhanced customer experience.

iPad Kiosks

Ultimately, iOS kiosk mode does more than just restrict functionality. It ensures your kiosk devices are secure, reliable, and highly efficient. This enhanced security is achieved by combining Apple’s own supervision framework with robust MDM solutions like Hexnode. This powerful combination enables an enhanced user experience while increasing security standards. Furthermore, it promotes business productivity. This is possible through greater granular control, easier remote management capabilities, and enterprise-grade protection for your kiosk devices.

FAQs

Q) How secure is iOS kiosk mode?

iOS kiosk Mode is highly secure, transforming consumer iPhones and iPads into dedicated, restricted devices. Apple achieves security in its devices through a layered approach, using its closed ecosystem and mandatory device Supervision (via ADE/Configurator). This combination offers a strong defense against unauthorized access and data leaks.

Q) Does Apple have a kiosk mode?

Yes, Apple supports kiosk Mode functionality. For simple, temporary use, the built-in feature is called Guided Access. For secure, business-grade deployments of an iOS kiosk, administrators can integrate iPhones and iPads with third-party MDM solutions. This enables restrictions like Single App Mode and Multi-App Mode.

Q) How to enable kiosk mode on iPhone?

To enable Kiosk Mode on iPhones, enroll the device in an MDM solution while in Supervised Mode (via ADE or Configurator). Once enrolled, administrators can remotely push policies. These policies lock the device into single- or multi-app mode, blocking access to settings.

Q) How to lock an iPad in kiosk mode?

To securely lock an iPad, you should use an MDM solution combined with Apple Supervision. The MDM lets you select the restriction type (Single, Multi-App, or ASAM). It then locks the device with a required exit passcode.