Why iPhone users should turn on Apple’s new stolen device protection feature i0s 17.3

iPhone
update to i0s 17.3.
iPhone
update to i0s 17.3.

Apple has recently introduced a new feature in its latest iOS update that can protect your iPhone and iCloud account from being hacked by thieves. This feature is called stolen device protection and it is disabled by default. In this article, we will explain what this feature does, how it works, and why you should turn it on as soon as possible.

What is stolen device protection and how does it work?

Stolen device protection is a feature that prevents anyone from accessing your iPhone or iCloud account without your permission, even if they have your passcode or biometric authentication. This feature is the result of an investigation by Joanna Stern and Nicole Nguyen for the Wall Street Journal, who found out that thieves have been stealing money and accessing sensitive data that is supposedly stored securely on an iPhone and the related iCloud account.

According to their report, thieves can use a device called a GrayKey to bypass the iPhone’s encryption and access its contents. They can also use a technique called SIM swapping to take over your phone number and receive verification codes for your online accounts. With these methods, they can access your bank accounts, email, social media, photos, and more.

To prevent this, Apple has added a new layer of security that requires you to enter your Apple ID and password before you can access your iPhone or iCloud account after a factory reset or a SIM swap. This means that even if someone has your passcode or biometric authentication, they cannot access your data without your Apple ID credentials. This feature also works with Find My iPhone, which allows you to remotely lock, erase, or locate your device if it is lost or stolen.

Why you should turn on stolen device protection

Stolen device protection is a powerful feature that can protect your iPhone and iCloud account from being hacked by thieves. However, it is disabled by default and you need to turn it on manually. Here are some reasons why you should do so:

  • It can prevent thieves from accessing your personal and financial data, which can cause identity theft, fraud, or blackmail.
  • It can help you recover your device or erase it remotely if it is lost or stolen, which can save you money and hassle.
  • It can give you peace of mind that your data is safe and secure, even if your device falls into the wrong hands.

To turn on stolen device protection, you need to update your iPhone to iOS 17.3 or later and follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings > [your name] > Password & Security.
  • Tap Turn On Stolen Device Protection.
  • Enter your Apple ID and password and tap Continue.
  • Confirm that you want to enable stolen device protection and tap Turn On.

You can also check the status of stolen device protection by going to Settings > General > About and looking for Stolen Device Protection under Security.

Conclusion

Stolen device protection is a new feature that can protect your iPhone and iCloud account from being hacked by thieves. It is disabled by default and you need to turn it on manually. We recommend that you do so as soon as possible, as it can prevent thieves from accessing your personal and financial data, help you recover your device or erase it remotely, and give you peace of mind that your data is safe and secure. To learn more about stolen device protection, you can visit Apple’s support page or watch this video by Joanna Stern and Nicole Nguyen.

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