Apple’s iOS 17.3 update has introduced a significant security feature: Stolen Device Protection. This addition enhances the safety of iPhones by implementing advanced measures against unauthorized access, especially when the device is stolen or lost. Here’s how you can activate this feature to safeguard your iPhone.
Key Highlights:
- Stolen Device Protection is exclusive to iOS 17.3.
- It adds extra security layers when the device is outside familiar locations.
- Requires biometric authentication for critical changes.
- Features a one-hour delay for critical changes outside familiar locations.
- Compatible with various iPhone models starting from iPhone Xs.
Eligible Devices and Activation Process Stolen Device Protection is available on iPhone Xs and later models, including all iPhone SE second and third-generation models. To activate this feature, go to Settings, tap on “Face ID & Passcode,” and enable Stolen Device Protection. This straightforward process requires no additional setup.
Understanding Stolen Device Protection When enabled, Stolen Device Protection requires additional security measures for actions like account modifications or accessing stored passwords and credit cards, but only when the iPhone is away from familiar locations like home or work. In such scenarios, biometric authentication through Face ID or Touch ID becomes mandatory. If the device is in a familiar location, these extra steps are not needed.
Enhanced Security Features This feature fortifies your iPhone’s security settings in two main ways. Firstly, it mandates biometric authentication for changing security settings when away from familiar locations. Secondly, it imposes a one-hour delay before making any changes to critical security settings, like passcode or password modifications, even if biometric authentication is successful. This delay is lifted if the device returns to a significant location.
Security Enhancements The Stolen Device Protection feature enhances your iPhone’s security in two main aspects. First, it necessitates biometric authentication for changing security settings when the device is not in a familiar location. Second, even after successful biometric authentication, it enforces a one-hour delay for modifying important security settings, such as the passcode or disabling Stolen Device Protection. This delay can be crucial in preventing unauthorized changes to your device.
Additional iOS 17.3 Features iOS 17.3 isn’t just about Stolen Device Protection; it also includes several other enhancements. There are over a dozen new security fixes addressing various vulnerabilities, making this update critical for maintaining device integrity. Additionally, the update brings convenient features like hotel AirPlay, allowing users to use Apple TV services directly in participating hotels, and collaborative playlists in Apple Music, adding a social dimension to your music experience.
Additional Features in iOS 17.3 Apart from Stolen Device Protection, the iOS 17.3 update includes over a dozen new security fixes, addressing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. The update also introduces features like hotel AirPlay and collaborative Apple Music playlists.
The Stolen Device Protection feature in Apple‘s iOS 17.3 is a crucial enhancement for iPhone users, offering advanced security measures to protect against unauthorized access in the event of theft or loss. Easy to activate and use, it provides a significant boost to your iPhone’s security, especially when combined with the other security fixes and features included in the update.
