As of: February 13, 2024, 6:17 a.m
By: Bjarne Kommnick
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If criminals come into possession of an iPhone pin code, the model is no longer safe from theft.
An update should now prevent this scam.
Munich – Apple has released a new update for iPhones.
The iOS 17.3 version is intended to ensure “additional security measures” to protect stolen devices, as the company explains in a statement.
Accordingly, iPhone users should be better protected against theft with new functions.
New iPhone security measure takes effect if cell phone is left in an unfamiliar place
If criminals get hold of an iPhone's pin code, the data on the phone is no longer secure after it is stolen.
It can be enough for thieves to spy on their victim in advance or threaten the cell phone owner in order to get the device's security code.
From this point on, criminals can access the cell phone's data without any effort and change passwords easily.
But Apple users are also threatened with dangerous fraud online through phishing emails.
The new iOS 17.3 update gives iPhone users new functions to protect their cell phone from theft.
© IMAGO/xfranz12x
The new “Stolen Device Protection” measures are intended to reduce this risk.
If the new function is activated, additional security measures take effect.
According to the company, this applies, for example, if the iPhone is “not in familiar places such as at home or at work”.
As soon as the iPhone is in its usual environment, the new security measures are inactive despite the function being activated.
Protection for stolen devices on iPhone: Pin code authentication is no longer possible in some cases
Previously, for important data – such as saved passwords or credit cards – users could also use the pin code in addition to Face ID or Touch ID to unlock the data.
Anyone who has activated the new function can only unlock this data in an unfamiliar environment with Face ID or Touch ID and no longer with the pin code.
The data and functions affected by this include:
Use passwords or passkeys stored in the keychain
Use payment methods stored in Safari (autofill)
Disable Lost Mode
Delete settings and content
Apply for a new Apple Card
View Apple Card virtual card number
Perform certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet (e.g., Apple Cash or Savings transfers)
Set up a new device with your iPhone (e.g. quick start)
New iPhone update enables delay for security-related actions
The new update also brings a delay in security-related actions.
Anyone who has activated protection for stolen devices and wants to change the password for their Apple ID, for example, must first wait an hour and then carry out a second authentication using Face ID or Touch ID.
The time lock also applies if protection is deactivated and the cell phone is not in a usual place.
This also affects:
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Change Apple ID password
Sign out of your Apple ID
Change Apple ID account security settings (e.g., add or remove a trusted device, recovery key, or recovery contact)
Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
Change iPhone passcode
Reset all settings
Disable Find My
Disable stolen device protection
Protection for stolen devices on iPhone: This is how you activate the function
The function can be activated under “Settings” and then “Face ID & Code”.
After entering the pin code, the “Stolen Device Protection” option appears.
To enable Stolen Device Protection,
You must also use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
You must also have a PIN code, Face ID or Touch ID, Find My, and Important Places (Location Services) enabled.
Anyone who sells or gives away their iPhone must deactivate the function first.
But the company is not just focusing on the iPhone: Apple recently announced an electric car that will be on the market in 2028.