iOS 17.3: Apple adds protection in the event of theft of iPhone and its unlock code

2023-12-12 19:30:00

With the first beta of iOS 17.3, Apple is offering the testing of a new security function in the event of theft of its iPhone and if a third party was able to obtain the unlock code.

Called “Protection in the event of device theft”, this option echoes a problem raised at the start of the year by the Wall Street Journal. It appeared that a user might find themselves deprived of access to their iCloud account if someone might have seen them enter their unlock code and then steal their phone. Certain access to critical settings depended exclusively on knowledge of this code.

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With this function, Face ID or Touch ID are now required to perform new actions: view and change passwords in iCloud Keychain; turn off Lost Mode, erase all content and settings, use payment methods saved in Safari, or use your iPhone to set up another one.

Other, more sensitive actions will require biometric identification coupled with a security delay of one hour for the changes made to be effective. This will give the victim time to act remotely on their account and report their iPhone stolen.

The new setting is located in “Face ID & Passcode”.

This delay is waived if the phone is located in a known location such as its owner’s home or place of work. In this case the modification is immediate:

• Changing your Apple ID password
• Updating some Apple ID account security settings, including adding or removing a trusted device, trusted phone number, recovery key, or recovery contact
• Changing your iPhone passcode
• Adding or removing Face ID or Touch ID
• Disabling Find My
• Disabling Stolen Device Protection

This additional security will be offered on all iPhones compatible with iOS 17. It will not be activated by default, but it is presented immediately to testers of 17.3. Apple will provide more details later on how this option works.

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