Apple has unveiled an update to its iOS operating system featuring a crucial element called Stolen Device Protection. This feature is engineered to significantly impede phone thieves from accessing critical functions and settings, prompting users to activate it without delay.
So, how can you enable this new security measure, and why is it imperative?
The latest iOS update, version 17.3, integrates this pivotal feature, designed to thwart thieves from wiping phones for resale or accessing vital accounts like Apple ID. Stolen Device Protection, nestled within your iPhone's settings, fortifies user security by addressing vulnerabilities exploited by thieves.
This development comes amid rising reports of phone thefts globally, with criminal tactics evolving from pickpocketing to moped snatching. Anecdotal evidence underscores the urgency for enhanced device security, with stories of stolen phones surfacing on platforms like Reddit and in news articles worldwide.
Stolen Device Protection operates by recognizing a user's "familiar locations," such as home or workplace, and enforcing additional biometric security measures when the device is accessed from unfamiliar places. By prioritizing biometric authentication methods like Face ID or Touch ID, the feature diminishes the significance of passcodes, which are susceptible to theft or coercion.
Suppose the thief who seized your iPhone attempts to erase its contents for resale. With Stolen Device Protection activated, the device necessitates a Face ID or Touch ID scan to verify the rightful owner, rendering passcodes or alternative methods ineffective.
Enabling Stolen Device Protection is a straightforward process: update your iOS, access settings, navigate to "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode," and activate the feature. Ensure two-factor authentication and Find My device are activated for your Apple ID account to enable this functionality.
Stolen Device Protection applies to iPhone XS and newer models, including second- and third-generation SE models. By embracing innovations like Stolen Device Protection, users can fortify their digital assets and thwart potential threats in an increasingly interconnected world.
Source: AP News
Photo: Getty