Introducing iPhone’s new defense weapon: Stolen Device Protection.
Apple’s got your back! With the iOS 17.3 beta, they’ve unveiled a powerful shield against theft – Stolen Device Protection. This handy feature adds an extra layer of security, especially in situations where sneaky snatchers try to grab your iPhone.
Why you need this armor:
Remember that unsettling report by WSJ’s Joanna Stern? iPhone thefts were on the rise, with attackers watching passcode entries and then locking owners out of their devices. Not cool, right?
That’s where Stolen Device Protection steps in. It throws a wrench in the thieves’ plans by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) whenever someone tries to access your iPhone outside of trusted locations like your home or office.
Ready to activate this security shield? Here’s how:
- Check your software: Make sure you’re running the iOS 17.3 beta. If not, head to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Open Settings and navigate to Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
- Under “Stolen Device Protection,” tap “Turn On Protection.”
Voila! Your iPhone is now protected by an extra layer of security.
But wait, should you actually use it?
That’s the million-dollar question. While it offers great protection, there are a few things to consider:
- False positives: Biometric authentication might not work perfectly every time. Imagine being locked out because your face mask muffled your voice for Face ID. Not ideal!
- Accessibility concerns: If you have injuries or disabilities that affect your biometric authentication, this feature might be inconvenient.
The decision ultimately lies with you. Weigh the pros and cons and choose what makes you feel most secure.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Practice good phone safety in public places, and consider two-factor authentication for your Apple ID for even more peace of mind.
Stay safe, iPhone warriors!
