Starting with the IOS 13.7 update, Apple has introduced a new security system for stolen iPhone devices. "Stolen Device Protection" is an additional user data protection mechanism, if the iPhone has been stolen and try to access sensitive data by thieves.
At the beginning of 2023, journalists from The Wall Street Journal reported on cases where the thieves spy up the iPhone's access code before stealing the device. This is often happening in public places such as cafes, mall, large shops. Finding the unlock code of iPhone, the thief can then reset the apple id of the victim, deactivate Find My, visualize the passwords stored in iCloud Keychain for bank accounts and e-mail, and more. In total, the report of journalists said that thieves can practically "steal your whole digital life."
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What does "Stolen Device Protection" work on the iPhone?
When the "Stolen Device Protection" security option is activated, Biometric Face or Touch ID is required for additional actions, such as viewing passwords or codes saved in iCloud Keychain, requesting a new Apple Card, deactivating Find My, resetting the device, using payment methods in safari, and others.
For even more sensitive actions, such as changing the password of the Apple ID account associated with the stolen iPhone, one hour delay is added to the bioematic authentication. So, if someone forces you to look at the iPhone to be unlocked with Face ID or put your finger to unlock with touch ID, this bio -emotric authentication action will need to repeat it after an hour. During which time Apple ID account or iPhone unlock code cannot be changed. This security restriction of "Stolen Device Protection" does not apply if the device is in a well-known location, such as at home or at the office.
Related: Learn how to recover a stolen or lost iPhone device.
How do you work "Stolen Device Protection" for the iPhone?
Activation of security option ”Stolen Device Protection"For the iPhone is made from: Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Turn On Protection. It is necessary for the device to install the iOS 17.3 or newer software version.
Actions that will require biometric authentication Face ID or Touch ID when the function is activated:
- Visualizing and using passwords or codes saved in iCloud Keychain
- The request of a new Apple Card
- Visualizing a virtual card Apple Card
- Disabling the lost mode (Lost Mode)
- Deleting the whole content and settings
- Taking certain actions Apple Cash or access to savings in the electronic wallet (Wallet).
- Use of payment methods saved in safari
- Using the stolen iPhone device to configure a new device
Actions that will require Face ID or Touch ID authentication and will have a one -hour security delay when the function is enabled include:
- Changing Apple ID account password
- Updating Apple ID account security settings, including adding or eliminating a reliable device, reliable phone number, recovery key or recovery contact
- Changing iPhone's access code
- Adding or eliminating Face ID or Touch ID
- Disabling the localization function Find My
- Disabling the "Stolen Device Protection" function
These security measures with exclusively bioematric authentication will only apply when the device is not in one of the ordinary locations. Home or at work.
The option is available on all iPhone devices compatible with iOS 17, including new iPhone XS.
As a conclusion, "Stolen Device Protection" is an additional measure of security that deactivates some actions that could only be done with the device's unlock code. When an iPhone device is stolen, the thief will not be able to do a series of operations and will not have access to sensitive data (passwords, bank cards), because bioemtric authentication with Touch ID will be requested. In addition, if you are forced (or seized) someone to biometrically authenticated on the iPhone for certain actions, it will be a one -hour waiting time, after which biometric authentication will be requested.
