New iPhone security update: What is it and how does it work?
Apple has released a new important iPhone security update that will help protect users from thieves who would want to access their personal data.
With all the personal data inputted into phones, cellphone users have cause to worry when they find that their device has been stolen. Apple has released an iPhone security update that will help assuage those fears.
The iOS 17.3 update provides “Stolen Device Protection” that makes it harder for thieves to access sensitive information on a phone by necessitating extra steps to be able to do it.
Prior to the latest update, someone could retrieve important information stored on the device such as credit card information and stored passwords simply by typing in a four- or six-digit passcode.
When the feature is enabled, the iPhone will require additional actions when the phone is found to be in unfamiliar locations. The added requirements will help prevent a thief who knows the passcode from making changes to your phone or your account.
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How does the iPhone’s new security update work?
If you want to enable Stolen Device Protection, you must first activate “Find My” under your Apple ID account, as well as two-factor authentication.
The update will require users to enter biometric data through Face ID or Touch ID in order to make changes to your account or access data on the phone.
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There is also a security delay for certain actions like changing your Apple ID password, which will require the user to wait an hour to perform a second biometric authentication. This delay gives you time to mark your device as lost and secure your Apple account, and prevents a thief from changing any settings.
You do not need to perform these additional steps if you are in a familiar location such as your home, workplace, or other places where you usually use your phone.
To make sure your mobile phone is protected by the latest update, you must have iOS 17.3 and turn on Stolen Device Protection before you lose it or it is stolen.