LONDON — You were in a crowded bar when a thief saw you unlock your iPhone with your passcode and swipe it. That sinking feeling hits you when you realize that valuable photos, important files, banking app passwords, and other important parts of your digital life are gone.
Apple this week released an update to its iOS operating system with a feature called Stolen Device Protection that makes it significantly harder for phone thieves to access key features and settings. Users are urged to turn it on immediately.
Here's how to enable the new security option and why it's so important.
Should I turn on stolen device protection?
iPhone and iPad software updates include important new features designed to stop thieves from wiping your phone for resale or accessing your Apple ID and other important accounts. I am. Stolen Device Protection is a new setting included in the latest iOS release, version 17.3.
Apple says the feature is embedded in iPhone settings and will further enhance user security. This addresses a vulnerability discovered and exploited by thieves that could lock the victim out of his Apple account and remove photos and other files by accessing passwords stored in the Keychain password manager. from your iCloud account and empty your bank account.
Apple is introducing this feature because there is anecdotal evidence that mobile phone thefts are on the rise. Stories of cell phone thefts have surfaced in Reddit groups and news articles from Los Angeles to London, with police saying pickpocketing, “table surfing” and moped snatching are common methods. .
The Wall Street Journal reported last year how criminals were seen stealing people's cell phones and then using their passcodes to access their personal information.
How does stolen device protection work?
Stolen Device Protection tracks a user's “familiar locations” such as their home or work, and provides a way to jump forward if someone tries to use the device to do certain things away from that location. Add an additional biometric security hoop.
It also reduces the importance of passcodes, which thieves can steal by peeking over someone's shoulder or by threatening to coerce the victim into handing over the passcode. The “biometric authentication” function of
Suppose a bar thief snatches your iPhone and tries to sell it, erasing its contents and settings. If stolen device protection is turned on, the phone will require his Face ID or Touch ID scan to confirm that the person is the rightful owner.
And that's the only way. The new feature does not allow the use of passcodes or other backup methods.
Other actions that trigger this feature when you're not in a familiar place include using a password saved in your keychain or a payment method saved in Safari, turning off Lost Mode, applying for a new Apple Card, or using your iPhone. This includes setting up any new devices you use.
There's also a second layer designed to slow down thieves trying to access critical security settings. For example, if someone tries to sign out of their Apple ID account, change their passcode, or reset their phone in an unknown location, authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID, wait an hour, and then You need to authenticate for 2 seconds. Facial or fingerprint scan.
Changing your Apple ID password, updating your Apple ID security settings, adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID, and turning off Find My Device or Stolen Device Protection also triggers this feature.
“Security delay is designed to prevent thieves from performing critical actions, so you can mark your device as lost and ensure your Apple account is safe,” the company said. “If your iPhone is in a familiar location, these additional steps are not necessary and you can use your device passcode as usual.”
How do I enable stolen device protection?
It's easy if you know where to look.
First, download and update your iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS updates. Then go to Settings, scroll down to “Face ID & Passcode” or “Touch ID & Passcode” and enter your passcode. Scroll down and you'll see “Stolen Device Protection.”
Depending on your iPhone model, you may need to tap or toggle to turn it on or off. First, make sure your Apple ID account has two-factor authentication and Find My Device enabled. It will not be displayed if it is not enabled.
What devices does it apply to?
iPhone XS and later models (including 2nd and 3rd generation SE models).