Apple Inc. is poised to introduce a groundbreaking feature across all its iPhone models aimed at safeguarding users against potential threats of private passcode theft. The technology giant identified the rising concern of passcode theft approximately nine months ago when a significant number of its device users fell victim to scams, resulting in the compromise of their passcodes and subsequent data theft after the theft protection feature was disabled.
The forthcoming enhancement, known as Stolen Device Protection, will provide users with an additional layer of security through advanced biometric authentication. This feature aims to make it considerably more challenging for thieves to pilfer devices and exploit them for unauthorized purposes.
In contrast to previous scenarios where possession of the passcode alone granted control over the device, the implementation of Stolen Device Protection will introduce a new protocol. Once activated, the feature will prompt users to authenticate themselves through Apple’s Facial ID Recognition and enter a passcode before executing any data-related actions. This innovative approach significantly raises the bar for hackers attempting to gain control of an iPhone and carry out actions such as disabling the lost mode, activating lock features, and extracting passwords through phishing attempts.
In addition to the introduction of this robust security feature, the Cupertino-based tech giant is addressing over 12 vulnerabilities across its ecosystem, including iOS, iPadOS, Safari, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS. Furthermore, the recently exposed Bluetooth vulnerability has been promptly patched. But there is no fix to the new ‘Journal’ app that allows the user to share data and as it the feature dedicated to this service, it cannot be treated as a vulnerability, and simply can be turned off.
The critical question arises regarding which Apple models will receive these cutting-edge security features with the upcoming iOS 17 update. The list includes the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11 Series, iPhone 12 Series, iPhone 13 Series, iPhone 14 Series, the latest iPhone 15 Series, as well as the second and third generations of the iPhone SE. Users of these models can expect to benefit from the enhanced security update slated for release by January 2024.
