Secret feature on iPhone helps protect data from thieves
Not everyone knows that the iOS operating system has a hidden feature that can become a solid “shield” for personal data. When activated, it helps you keep your information safe even if your iPhone falls into the hands of a thief.
Your iPhone is not only a communication, entertainment or work tool, but also a "treasure trove" containing countless personal data - from photos, messages, emails to sensitive financial information.
Once in the wrong hands, this data can be exploited with unpredictable consequences. And in fact, phones are lost or stolen every day all over the world.
To protect users from this risk, Apple has introduced a new security feature in iOS 17.3 called “Stolen Device Protection” (Stolen Device Protection). This is an extra layer of defense, giving you peace of mind if your iPhone accidentally falls into the hands of a thief.
When enabled, this feature will require additional verification steps, such as Face ID or Touch ID, before performing important actions related to data and accounts, especially financial information stored on the device. This makes it extremely difficult for bad guys to access important data.
While not the most powerful security tool on the iPhone, “Stolen Device Protection” still plays an important role in keeping sensitive data secure, while giving you more time to use tools like “Find my device” (Find My) to remotely lock or erase the device.
How “Stolen Device Protection” works
When activated, “Stolen Device Protection” adds multiple layers of security checks to iOS, which is especially useful in situations where a thief already knows your passcode. These layers of protection help prevent unauthorized access and minimize the risk of data loss.
One of the important mechanisms is to require mandatory biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID to access sensitive information like saved passwords, credit card data.
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Previously, if Face ID or Touch ID failed, users could enter a passcode to continue. However, with this feature, even if thieves know the passcode, they still cannot bypass the biometric authentication step, making Face ID/Touch ID the only “key” to open the data door.
Not only that, iOS also applies a smart security delay when it detects the device in an unfamiliar location, other than familiar places like home, work, or school. If someone tries to change their Apple account password or access important items in this situation, the iPhone will trigger a 1-hour timeout before allowing them to continue. After the wait, the device will request another biometric authentication, making it extremely difficult to take over the account.
Users can also customize settings to require these additional authentication steps every time, even when in familiar locations. This ensures that the protection is always active, leaving no room for any loopholes.
How to enable “Stolen Device Protection”
To activate “Stolen Device Protection”, you first need to make sure your iPhone is running iOS 17.3 or later, as this feature doesn't exist in older versions of iOS.
You'll also need to enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, set a device passcode, and enable Face ID (or Touch ID on older iPhone models). These two features “Important position" and "Find my device” also needs to be enabled for the system to function effectively.
The procedure for setting up this feature is as follows:
- OpenSetting(Settings) on iPhone.
- SelectFace ID & Passcode.
- Enter the device unlock password.
- Scroll down and selectStolen Device Protection.
- Turn the switch to activate.
Here you can adjust how the feature works. The “Security delay requirement” allows to choose between “Stay away from familiar places” (only activates when in unfamiliar places) or “Always(protection anytime, anywhere).
A key advantage is that when this feature is enabled, even if a thief knows your Apple ID login information, they cannot change your security settings through a web browser. This gives you more time to remotely lock or wipe your data, ensuring your personal information is always safe.
Enabling the feature “Stolen Device Protection"Not only is it a security enhancement, but it is also a smart "armor" that helps you feel more secure against any risk of losing your iPhone./.
