Apple will introduce an additional protection mechanism in iOS 17.3 that uses statistics about users’ geographic movements to help strengthen the ability to prevent thieves from accessing data on iPhone.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the beta version of iOS 17.3 already supports a mode called Stolen Device Protection, which essentially helps protect stolen devices. By tracking the iPhone’s movements in space, the operating system detects geolocation anomalies and when the iPhone is in an unusual location for the owner’s specific usage scenarios, Additional authentication protection is automatically enabled.
In this case, sensitive actions related to changing security settings must be confirmed not only by entering the passcode but also by the Face ID facial recognition function. Not only that, the ban on changing Apple ID passwords or disabling Face ID authentication is also applied to require identity verification to apply the changes. Such measures will complicate iPhone intrusion for thieves, even though they have different ways to steal victims’ PIN codes to take possession of the device.
Previously, crooks could use passcodes to instantly change all important security settings and block “Activation Lock” or “Lost Mode” security features. All they do is watch the owner enter the security code and then steal the iPhone. This often happens in public places like bars, where attackers simply watch the victim enter the code over the victim’s shoulder or secretly film the owner to discover the password combination being entered.
It is known that on the black market, a locked iPhone is sold for parts at a much lower price than a device with completely open access. With the new security mechanism in iOS 17.3, Apple is trying to make it more difficult for attackers who want to steal iPhones, while reducing the risk of sensitive data falling into the hands of thieves if they have illegal access codes. method into the phone.
