Apple is reinforcing iPhone security with a groundbreaking feature, ‘Stolen Device Protection,’ that adds an extra layer of defense against unauthorized access to lost or stolen devices. This innovative security measure requires users to authenticate using both the passcode and Face ID biometric verification to access sensitive information on iPhones.
An Apple spokesperson stated, “As threats to user devices continue to evolve, we work tirelessly to develop powerful new protections for our users and their data. iPhone data encryption has long led the industry, and a thief can’t access data on a stolen iPhone without knowing the user’s passcode. In the rare cases where a thief can observe the user entering the passcode and then steal the device, Stolen Device Protection adds a sophisticated new layer of protection.”
The new security feature will be introduced to all eligible iPhones through the upcoming iOS 17.3 update, enhancing the overall security posture of Apple’s devices. Specifically, when an iPhone is located in an unfamiliar setting, users will be required to authenticate using both the passcode and Face ID to perform actions such as using the device, altering the associated Apple ID, or initiating a factory reset. In case of attempts to tamper with Face ID settings, a one-hour delay will be imposed as an additional safeguard.
The move comes in response to reports of a new scam where attackers exploit victims to obtain iPhone passwords. With the implementation of ‘Stolen Device Protection,’ a stolen iPhone becomes significantly less valuable to miscreants, limiting their options to selling it for parts.
For additional security, iPhones already include a feature called “Lost Mode,” enabling users to mark a device as lost through iCloud. This action effectively disables the device, shares its current location with the owner, and allows the configuration of contact details for the owner to be displayed if the device is found.
Users keen on implementing the new ‘Stolen Device Protection’ feature can do so by navigating to Settings > Passcode on iPhones running the beta version of iOS 17.3 or newer models. In the coming days, this option will become available for all eligible iPhones. It’s important to note that users will need to manually enable this opt-in feature to secure their iPhones, providing an additional layer of control over their device security.
