Apple has introduced a new security feature called Stolen Device Protection with iOS 17.3, aimed at providing an extra layer of security for iPhone users. This feature is designed to protect your accounts and personal information if your iPhone is ever stolen. Here are some key aspects of this feature:
Biometric Authentication
When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, certain actions such as accessing stored passwords and credit cards require a single biometric authentication with Face ID or Touch ID. There is no passcode fallback, ensuring that only you can access these features.
Security Delay
For critical actions like changing your Apple Account password, a security delay is introduced. You’ll need to wait an hour and then perform a second biometric authentication. This delay helps prevent a thief from making critical changes to your account or device.
Familiar Locations
The additional security measures are only required when your iPhone is away from familiar locations such as your home or workplace. You can choose to set it to always require these measures or only when you’re away from familiar locations.
Lost Mode
If your iPhone is stolen, you can mark it as lost using the Find My app. The security measures help protect your accounts and personal information while you try to recover your device.
Turning on Stolen Device Protection
To turn on Stolen Device Protection, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), enter your passcode, and toggle on Stolen Device Protection. You can then choose whether to require these measures always or only when away from familiar locations.
Benefits
- Enhanced Security: Provides an additional layer of security, making it harder for someone who has stolen your iPhone and knows your passcode to access your personal information.
- Peace of Mind: Helps protect your accounts and personal information in case your iPhone is ever stolen.
- User-Friendly: Easy to enable and customize according to your preferences.
Considerations
- Biometric Authentication: Requires Face ID or Touch ID, which may not be available on all devices.
- Security Delay: Adds a delay for critical actions, which may be inconvenient in some situations.