Tech & Innovation - January 26, 2025

Maximize iPhone Security with Stolen Device Protection: A...

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Losing your iPhone to theft can be a distressing experience, especially with the risk of the thief gaining access to your personal data. Fortunately, Apple's Stolen Device Protection feature offers a solution to this problem. This feature, which isn't automatically enabled, needs to be activated before the unfortunate event of theft occurs. It provides an extra layer of security, especially when the device is taken to an unfamiliar location. The feature requires Face ID biometrics for access, thereby preventing thieves from bypassing security with your passcode. It also introduces a security delay for changes to safety features on the device.

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Understanding Stolen Device Protection

Stolen Device Protection is designed to secure your iPhone in situations where a thief not only steals your device but also knows your passcode. When the device is taken to an unfamiliar location, the security measures kick in. The primary action triggered by the feature is the requirement of your Face ID biometrics to access any sensitive features on the phone. Even if the thief knows your passcode, it will no longer serve as a backup option. This also prevents data wiping off the phone, as the procedure requires FaceID.

Additional Security Measures

In addition to enforcing biometric authentication, Stolen Device Protection introduces a security delay period for changes to safety features on the phone. If a thief attempts to sign out of your Apple ID or disable Find My iPhone, they are subjected to a security delay. Major safety changes require an hour wait and biometric confirmation at the beginning and end of the process.

Activating Stolen Device Protection

To enable Stolen Device Protection, you first need to set up Face ID and a passcode. Two-factor authentication for your Apple ID is also necessary. Lastly, you need to activate the 'Significant Locations' feature which tracks familiar and unfamiliar locations. After setting up these features, you can activate Stolen Device Protection under the Face ID & Passcode settings.

Stolen Device Protection provides an extra layer of security, especially when the device is taken to an unfamiliar location. The primary action triggered by the feature is the requirement of your Face ID biometrics to access any sensitive features on the phone. Even if the thief knows your passcode, it will no longer serve as a backup option.