Apple has once again raised the bar with the introduction of a groundbreaking feature in the iOS 17.3 beta – Stolen Device Protection. This innovative addition is designed to safeguard your data in the event that your iPhone passcode falls into the wrong hands, providing an extra layer of defense against unauthorized access.
Recognizing the need to fortify user privacy and protect against such exploits, Apple rolled out the Stolen Device Protection feature, aiming to mitigate the risk of data theft resulting from compromised passcodes.
How Does Stolen Device Protection Mode Work?
Prior to the introduction of Stolen Device Protection, possession of your iPhone's passcode granted unrestricted access to critical functions such as altering your Apple ID password, disabling Find My, and accessing saved Keychain passwords. This vulnerability became apparent in scenarios where attackers managed to acquire your passcode, either through coercion or opportunistic theft.
Stolen Device Protection mode addresses this vulnerability head-on. When activated, the feature mandates the use of Apple's Face ID recognition alongside the passcode for any sensitive actions. This added layer of biometric authentication ensures that even if a thief gains knowledge of your passcode, they are unable to execute significant changes or access sensitive settings without facial recognition verification.
Moreover, attempts to alter your Apple ID password or disable Face ID trigger a mandatory one-hour security delay. During this period, the attacker must pass a Face ID check after the elapsed time before making any credential changes, providing an additional hurdle against unauthorized access.
Securing Sensitive Actions
Stolen Device Protection mode categorizes actions into two groups: those requiring both passcode and Face ID recognition without a security delay, and those with an hour-long security delay.
No Security Delay
- Access iCloud Keychain passwords
- Apply for a new Apple Card
- Erase all content and settings
- Turn off Lost Mode
- Sending people money with Apple Cash
- Use your iPhone to set up a new device
- Use payment methods saved in Safari
Security Delay
- Change your Apple ID password
- Change trusted phone number or contact
- Enable recovery key
- Add Face ID or Touch ID
- Remove Face ID or Touch ID
- Disable Find My
- Turn off Stolen Device Protection
It's crucial to note that while this feature restricts a thief from accessing sensitive information or making immediate changes, they can still unlock your iPhone if they possess the passcode.
Empowering Users with iOS 17 Security
Always remember that this new feature only restricts a thief from accessing sensitive information or making changes to it; the thief can still unlock your iPhone and perform most of the operations if they are familiar with the passcode.
But since this iOS 17 security feature prevents the thief from locking you out of your Apple ID or disabling Find My, you can locate your iPhone easily or at least wipe it off remotely.
Reviewed by Tech Ugly
on
Monday, December 18, 2023
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