Numerous iPhones, often regarded as some of the best in the market, are pilfered daily on a global scale. Apple aims to address this issue with the upcoming release of iOS 17.3, introducing a feature called Stolen Device Protection.However, this security measure won't be automatically activated; users will need to manually enable it through the Settings app by accessing Face ID & Passcode.
Once activated, Stolen Device Protection will significantly impede thieves from altering the Apple ID password, disabling Find My, or adding a new face to Face ID. The prevalence of iPhone theft, as highlighted in a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, has prompted Apple's swift action to enhance security measures.
The tactics employed by iPhone thieves, such as Aaron Johnson in the U.S., often involve old-fashioned methods. Johnson, and others like him, observed users entering their passcodes and then proceeded to steal, wipe, and resell the stolen smartphones.
A key takeaway from Johnson's approach emphasizes never handing an unlocked phone to anyone. His strategy targeted unsuspecting individuals, primarily young men in social settings, by creating plausible scenarios to gain access to their phones. Victims, often in compromised states, willingly provided their passcodes, unknowingly enabling theft.
To safeguard against such tactics, it's crucial to avoid handing over an unlocked phone to anyone, regardless of the circumstances. Additionally, relying on facial recognition alone might not suffice; utilizing a strong, complex passcode and being vigilant of surroundings during passcode entry can add an extra layer of security.
Another precautionary measure involves individually locking sensitive apps, a feature less straightforward on iPhones compared to many Android devices. While iOS lacks native app-locking functionalities, utilizing Guided Access under Settings > Accessibility allows users to lock specific apps with a different passcode from the device's unlock code.
The visibility of certain iPhone models, particularly those with distinct features like the three-camera setup on the Pro Max versions, makes them more susceptible to theft. Until the implementation of Stolen Device Protection, users must exercise caution when using their iPhones in public settings to mitigate the risk of becoming targets.
While Apple continues to enhance security measures with each iOS update, staying vigilant and implementing precautionary measures remain vital to safeguard against potential theft.
