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Journalism of Courage
Apple has released iOS 17.3, the latest version of its mobile operating system for iPhones. One of the key new features is ‘Stolen Device Protection’, which adds extra security measures to protect users’ data if their phone gets stolen. This should be high on every iPhone user’s list to enable, as it better protects your information without any effort on your part.
When you turn on Stolen Device Protection, your iPhone will put limits on certain settings changes when it’s not in a familiar location like your home or workplace. If a thief unlocks your phone and tries to alter these settings, they’ll be required to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID first. So even if they have your passcode, they can’t modify protected settings without also duplicating your biometrics – a near-impossible task.
Extra verification will be needed for actions like accessing saved passwords or payment info in Safari, turning off Lost Mode, erasing the device, using the phone to set up a new Apple device, applying for a new Apple Card, viewing your Apple Card number, or transferring funds with Apple Cash.
For especially sensitive data, there’s a second level of protection – a one hour “security delay” after using biometrics when your phone isn’t in a familiar place. Once the hour is up, biometrics are required again to make changes. Your phone remains usable during this delay period.
The security delay applies when trying to change your Apple ID password, sign out of your Apple ID account, update Apple ID security settings like removing a trusted device, remove Face ID/Touch ID enrollment, alter your passcode, reset settings, turn off Find My, or disable Stolen Device Protection. This delay may hinder thieves who want to take over your accounts or phone quickly.
While a useful new safeguard, Stolen Device Protection doesn’t fully protect all data if your passcode is compromised. It’s still important to back up your information, and some apps like WhatsApp let you add an extra PIN for access, on top of your phone’s passcode.
To enable Stolen Device Protection, you must have two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID account and have the following active on your iPhone:
– A device passcode
– Face ID or Touch ID
– Find My
– Significant Locations (Location Services)
You can turn on Stolen Device Protection in Settings:
1. Go to Settings, then tap Face ID & Passcode.
2. Enter your device passcode.
3. Toggle on Stolen Device Protection.
That’s it! The new safeguards will now be active. Be sure to update to iOS 17.3 to take advantage of this useful security enhancement from Apple.
Apple’s move here is a positive one, building on existing protections like passcodes. While not foolproof, it adds friction for thieves trying to misuse stolen devices. Users are advised to take full advantage of the new capability.
