Source: www.darkreading.com – Author: Dark Reading Staff
Source: Seemanta Dutta via Alamy Stock Photo
Apple pushed out a security update for iPhone this week featuring a brand-new Stolen Device Protection for iPhone feature. Stolen Device Protection restricts the user’s ability to make critical changes to the device settings when the device is not in a familiar location such as the user’s home.
“When your iPhone is in a familiar location, these additional steps are not required, and you can use your device passcode like usual,” Apple said in a statement announcing the new security feature. “Familiar locations typically include your home, work, and certain other locations where you regularly use your iPhone.”
The feature is part of the iOS 17.3 update and designed to stop criminals who have the device’s passcode from causing too much damage. Slowing down the ability of thieves to make critical changes to a stolen device buys victims valuable time to secure their Apple accounts and mark the device as lost or stolen, according to Apple.
Stolen Device Protection for iPhone is available under Settings > Face ID & Passcode. After entering the device passcode, the screen will display the option to turn Stolen Device Protection on or off. In order to set up the new protections, the Apple ID must have two-factor authentication enabled. The feature should be turned off before selling, trading, or giving away the iPhone.
If the device is in an unfamiliar location and Stolen Device Protection is enabled, it will be necessary to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID before taking any of the following actions, according to Apple:
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Use passwords or passkeys saved in Keychain
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Use payment methods saved in Safari (autofill)
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Erase all content and settings
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Apply for a new Apple Card
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View Apple Card virtual card number
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Take certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet (for example, Apple Cash or Savings transfers)
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Use your iPhone to set up a new device (for example, Quick Start.
Users may also be required to wait an hour to make security tweaks or changes to the Apple ID, Apple explained.
Original Post URL: https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/apple-adds-device-security-to-protect-from-thieves-
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