Apple is adding a new security feature to iOS, focused on making life more complicated for anyone who steals a company device.
iOS already has many security features that help block stolen data and devices. However, there are still cases where victims may have their devices stolen, and not realize it immediately, giving thieves time to access potentially sensitive data.
There is also a possibility that thieves know the device’s access code, making traditional blocking methods ineffective.
With that in mind, the iOS 17.3 beta now has… New job Known as “stolen device protection”. This adds an extra layer of security if the system detects that a different user than usual may be trying to access the system.
In this case, if the function is active, iOS will require an additional security check to allow access to the device, even if the access code is entered correctly.
This function uses several means to identify suspicious access, such as users’ unusual location. In these cases, in addition to the access code, authentication via Touch ID or Face ID is also required, in order to verify the users’ identity.
If you are the real user, the process will not take long to complete and allows quick access to the device. But if the thief was using the equipment, he would have no way to verify his identity, even if he knew the unlock code.
Furthermore, when the function is activated, even if thieves manage to bypass Face ID, they will still need another hour to be able to change the device’s Apple login credentials – as they will have to make the ID valid again.
Ultimately, this feature can make life considerably more complicated for thieves, who no longer have the means to unlock stolen devices, even if they know the unlock code.
The new feature is expected to be introduced in the final version of iOS 17.3.
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