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Apple's new ‘stolen device protection' tool, was launched as part this weeks' iOS 17.3 release, and plans to squash instances of phone theft by ramping up security requirements and limiting the amount of data thieves have access to. Many iPhone users don't realize how easy it is for the "bad guys" to view your passcode (shoulder surfing), then steal your phone and obtain your sensitive data.
When you turn on Stolen Device Protection, Apple puts extra limits on some settings when your iPhone isn’t at a familiar location, such as your home or work. Suggestion: Also enable "MY CARD" in Contacts) - see below*.
The ultimate aim of Apple's Stolen Device Protection feature is to prevent someone who has stolen your device and knows your password from making critical changes to your account. When the protection feature is enabled, it works in two distinct ways.
- When your phone is in an unfamiliar location, your phone will need to be authenticated with Face ID or Touch ID before sensitive actions can be taken. Since biometric verification is almost impossible to forge, this makes it harder for criminals with your passcode to gain access to your device. Reminder: Activate Touch or Face ID in Settings.
- The feature also includes something called ‘Security Delay', which is aimed at protecting even more sensitive information. When your phone is in an unfamiliar location, Apple will implement an hour-long security delay which will restrict certain settings from being amended for 60 minutes, before requesting Face or Touch ID verification.
Examples of actions that will be blocked during this time including using payment methods, accessing passwords or passkeys, turning off Lost Mode, or erasing all content and settings.
If someone unlocks your phone and tries to change these settings, they’ll have to use Face ID or Touch ID. So, if a thief has your phone and passcode, they won’t be able to change the settings unless they have your biometric information too, which is not straightforward to clone and fool the systems that power them.
Turning on the iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection is simple—it’s just one small toggle in your phone’s settings. You need to make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 17.3. Open the Settings app, scroll to Face ID & Passcode, enter your Passcode, then enable to Stolen Device Protection.
Thanx to tech.co
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*Settings > Contacts > My Info > Tap and scroll to your contact card, tap, and you've set your info as the owner of the iPhone. If you don't have a contact card already set-up, now's the time to do that.
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