2024-01-28 16:15:00
Apple’s iPhones are secure and, like Android devices, cannot be easily cracked – unless the thief knows your personal passcode, which consists of four to six digits. If this is known, the iPhone can not only be unlocked, but other nasty pranks can also be played, such as changing the Apple ID password and locking out the actual owner.
iPhones have been unsafe for years, but the topic is largely unknown. Now Apple has responded with the new “Stolen Device Protection” feature, which is part of iOS 17.3.
iOS 17.3: This is “Stolen Device Protection”
iOS 17.3 brings “Stolen Device Protection”. (Photo: t3n)
With “Stolen Device Protection” as part of iOS 17.3, access to sensitive areas such as password collection must always be verified biometrically with 3D facial scanning via Face ID or fingerprint via Touch ID. The new function is offered immediately following installing the update.
If you accidentally clicked away this step: You can find the function in the settings under “Face ID & Code”. To access it, you must enter your device code. Now you can turn on “Stolen Device Protection”.
The iOS 17.3 “Stolen Device Protection” feature has an integrated time delay. (Screenshots: Apple/t3n)
With the new security function, Apple is removing the fallback option that requires the PIN to be entered if biometric authentication fails. From now on, Apple no longer allows access to the passwords on the iPhone simply by entering the passcode.
According to Apple, users must authenticate with Face or Touch ID before performing the following actions outside of their home:
- Use passwords or passkeys stored in the keychain
- Use payment methods stored in Safari (autofill)
- Disable Lost Mode
- Delete settings and content
- Apply for a new Apple Card (USA only)
- View Apple Card virtual card number (US only)
- Perform certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet, such as Apple Cash or Savings transfers (US only)
- Set up a new device with your iPhone, for example Quick Start
Apple also includes a one-hour delay for changes to sensitive data such as Apple ID when the iPhone is not in familiar places such as home or work. This temporal offset does not apply in familiar places. After the hour is up, you will need to confirm the Apple ID password change once more with another Face ID or Touch ID scan.
According to Apple, with these settings you have to wait an hour with protection activated:
- Change Apple ID password
- Sign out of your Apple ID
- Change Apple ID account security settings, such as adding or removing a trusted device, recovery key, or recovery contact
- Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
- Change iPhone passcode
- reset all settings
- Disable Find My
- Disable stolen device protection
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The new security feature is linked to the iOS Important Places feature. This can be found in the system settings in the “Privacy & Security” area under “Location Services” and then “System Services”. If you have this function turned on, which it is by default, your iPhone will save your usual locations.
You probably don’t know these iPhone functions yet
You probably don’t know these iPhone functions yet
What thieves might still access despite “protection for stolen devices”.
While the new protection is an important and welcome addition, thieves can still access some data using your pin code. How the Wall Street Journal reports, your iPhone can still be unlocked. There is also access to any app that is not protected by an additional password or pin. This also applies to accounts that can be reset via SMS or email.
Apple Pay can also still be used with a passcode to make payments. It is therefore advisable not to give the passcode to strangers. When in public, you should ideally unlock your iPhone using Touch ID or Face ID. If this is not possible, make sure no one is looking over your shoulder while you type in the passcode.
How you should further secure your iPhone
For more security on the iPhone: Use an alphanumeric code as a pin. (Screenshots: Apple/t3n)
You should also use an alphanumeric passcode that is difficult to guess and consists of a sequence of letters and numbers. This is much more difficult for a thief to guess than a usually six-digit code. You can change this now: To do this, go to “Settings” > “Face ID & Code” > “Change Code” > “Custom Alphanumeric Code”.
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