Apple Introduces “Stolen Device Protection” In New iPhone Series
Apple has made it more difficult to get into an iPhone that has been stolen with its new “stolen devices protection” feature. Read on to know more.
The worst thing is to lose an iPhone with an easy passcode. But now Apple is effectively tackling this. Apple is developing a new “Stolen Device Protection” mode that requires passcodes and Face ID biometric verification to access sensitive iPhone data.
We work hard to develop effective new protections for our users and their data as threats to user devices evolve. iPhone data encryption has led the industry, and a criminal can’t access stolen iPhone data without the passcode. An Apple representative stated that stolen device safety provides a smart new layer of safety in the rare circumstances where a burglar can see the user entering the passcode and steal the device.
Have a look at the post below:
After installing iOS 17.3 Beta 1 we have a new option for Stolen Device Protection. pic.twitter.com/zZkU5k4reL
— Aaron Zollo (@zollotech) December 12, 2023
Each eligible iPhone will receive the iOS 17.3 update with the new security feature. To use the iPhone at a non-user location, one must authenticate with a passcode and Face ID, update the Apple ID, or factory reset it. Otherwise, the phone enters stolen device protection mode. Removing and reprogramming Face ID will delay it by one hour. According to the reports, New iPhone password scams involve attackers spying on or befriending victims. This new feature limits thieves to selling stolen iPhones for parts. iPhones also have “Lost Mode,” which lets users mark an iPhone as lost in iCloud. This disables the device, communicates its location with the owner, and permits the displaying of the owner’s contact data.
On iOS 17.3 beta or newer iPhones, go to Settings > Passcode and select Stolen Device Mode. The same option will be available for all eligible iPhones in future days. Users must explicitly enable this opt-in feature to secure their iPhones.
Stolen Device Protection adds a second layer of security, making it tougher for thieves to use the passcode to cause trouble when the phone is not at home or work.
The Company Shares A Post:
Apple has introduced a new stolen device protection feature for the iPhone in the iOS 17.3 beta
The new feature adds an additional layer of security in case that someone has stolen your phone and also obtained your passcode pic.twitter.com/89Lqx9r8Co
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) December 13, 2023
Stolen Device Protection requires Apple’s FaceID facial recognition and passcode to execute sensitive operations like accessing saved passwords or erasing the phone if the phone is in an unapproved area. A passcode prevents thieves from changing or viewing certain settings. After a one-hour wait, attackers cannot change the user’s Apple ID password or delete FaceID without passing another FaceID check.
After stealing the phone, the attacker disables Apple’s Activation Lock and Lost Mode with the stolen passcode. A working stolen iPhone is worth more than a software-locked one, usually sold for parts. Apple requires most iPhone users to enter a four- or six-digit passcode during setup. Before the new capability, Apple’s privacy and stolen device protections, including FaceID, were coupled to the passcode, allowing anyone with a stolen device and passcode to control the phone.
For iOS 17.3 developer beta users, Face ID and Passcode > Stolen Device Protection activate Stolen Device Mode.
When iOS 17.3 is released, other iPhone owners will get the opt-in option in weeks.
“As threats to user devices continue to evolve, we work tirelessly to develop powerful new protections for our users and their data,” an Apple spokeswoman stated. In rare circumstances where a criminal can watch the user entering the passcode and steal the device, Stolen Device safety adds a clever new layer of safety.
