Apple iPhone iOS 17.3 Update Introduces Stolen Device Protection Feature for Added Security

KOMPAS.com – Apple is rolling out the beta version of the iPhone iOS 17.3 operating system (OS) update for developers.

This update brings a new security feature, namely an iPhone anti-theft feature called “Stolen Device Protection”, which will make it even more difficult for iPhone thieves.

This feature is an additional layer of security to the security features that previously existed on iOS. So, this feature is a complementary feature, not a replacement feature.

By turning on the Stolen Device Protection feature, the iOS system will ask for user authentication either via Face ID or Touch ID, especially when the user wants to access the password or passkey stored in iCloud Keychain.

Also read: Woman in China Steals iPhone 14 Plus by Gnawing Anti-Theft Cable

Authentication will also be requested, for example when the user wants to apply for a new Apple Card, deactivate Lost Mode, delete all content and settings, make a payment via a method saved in Safari and so on.

Here’s a list of actions that require authentication when Stolen Device Protection is enabled:

• View/use passwords or passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain
• Apply for a new Apple Card
• View virtual Apple Card cards
• Disable the Lost Mode feature
• Erases all content and settings
• Process certain actions in Apple Cash and Savings via Apple Wallet
• Use a payment method saved in Safari
• Using an iPhone to set-up a new device

If the user cannot process the authentication, then the action they want to take cannot be processed.

So, when the user’s iPhone is in the hands of a thief, the thief cannot carry out the series of actions above without authentication.

Then for actions that are classified as very sensitive, for example changing the Apple ID account password, the Stolen Device Protection feature will add a delay process in addition to the biometric authentication.

Also read: Thief Returns Stolen Android Phone Because It’s Not an iPhone

So, users have to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, wait an hour, then re-authenticate. However, the re-authentication process is not required if the iPhone is detected in a location that the user is familiar with or usually visits, such as at home or at work.

Here’s a list of actions that require Face ID or Touch ID authentication and a one-hour wait time after Stolen Device Protection is enabled:

• Change your Apple ID password
• Update certain Apple ID account security settings, including adding or removing devices, trusted phone numbers, Recovery Key or Recovery Contact
• Change iPhone passcode
• Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
• Disable the Lost Mode feature
• Disables the Stolen Device Protection feature

The Stolen Device Protection feature is available via the Settings menu > Face ID & Touch ID. However, it should be noted that this feature has only been rolled out for the beta version of iOS 17.3.

The same update will be rolled out to the public around January or February 2024, compiled by KompasTekno from MacRumors, Saturday (16/12/2023).

The iPhone models that support iOS 17.3 are iPhones that can run iOS 17, namely iPhone XS or newer.

Also read: 3 New WhatsApp Features on iPhone, There are Voice Messages Once Heard

The Stolen Device Protection feature was inspired by Joanna Stern and Nicole Nguyen’s theft report from The Wall Street Journal earlier this year.

They reported a theft case where the thief spied on the victim to get the iPhone password before it was stolen. This action is often carried out in public places such as bars.

After finding the password and stealing the victim’s iPhone, the thief can then reset the victim’s Apple ID password, turn off the Find My feature, view passwords stored in iCloud Keychain to access e-mail, bank accounts and so on.

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2023-12-16 01:02:00
#iOS #iPhone #Thieves #Trouble #Kompas.com