In recent years Apple (AAPL) – Get Free Report has staked its reputation on the security of its iPhones.
Apple has released numerous commercials over the past couple of years touting how secure its phones are and how much the company values the privacy of its users.
Related: Apple names top 9 apps of 2023 – here’s what made the list
And now it is making a change in its newest iOS update that will make their phones even more secure, even if that device is stolen.
The move comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on criminals who used iPhone owners’ passcodes to change their Apple accounts, access saved passwords, steal money and lock them out of their iCloud.
Keeping thieves out of your phone
But now, Apple will debut a new Stolen Device Protection setting in its upcoming software update that is supposed to keep thieves out your phone, even if they have your phone.
As it stands now, if a person has access to your passcode and can open your phone, they pretty much control your entire Apple account. But with the new Stolen Device Protection button, which users will have to enable, then certain settings will be restricted.
If the phone is away from a familiar location, then the device will require facial or fingerprint recognition in order to change an Apple ID password, if the feature is enabled. It will then implement an hour-long delay before the change can be made.
After an hour has passed, the user will have to reconfirm with another biometric recognition before the password can be changed.
While Apple is allowing the new update to be voluntary, there is a real danger of losing your entire Apple account if a thief steals your phone. If a thief accesses your phone they can enable what is called a recovery key.
The key is meant to protect users from online hackers, but in the hands of a thief, it keeps the original user from resetting their Apple ID password with a phone number or email.
Apple will be rolling out the feature to all iPhone users with its next iOS update. In the meantime, the feature will be available to beta testers.
Get exclusive access to portfolio managers’ stock picks and proven investing strategies with Real Money Pro. Get started now.
