Apple iPhone and Security
Editor note: These suggestions should be viewed with caution and care. Note any new codes you create and put them in a safe place. Also make notes of the steps you take/took while implementing these. BACK UP your devices first.
The topic of losing or having your phone in the hands of a thief is daunting. While Apple tries to make our phone secure there are some serious flaws that Apple should remedy. Joanna Stern, Tech Writer for the WSJ has a video which I summarized https://youtu.be/tCfb9Wizq9Q as you will see in the comments section on this video there are some strong feelings about this.
If someone has your phone and can get the password, mayhem is expected. You can be locked out of your phone. A new Recovery Key can be generated and, they can change your “trusted phone number” which will keep you from accessing your files. A Recovery Key function was created by Apple to help if you lost your phone, but if it changed by someone it can keep the rightful owner locked out.
One solution offered by Stern is to do the following.
- Go to Settings>Screen Time. If it is not already turned on, do so. Go to “use Screen Time Passcode” and click on it to set up passcode. Set up a four-digit passcode that is unique and not like your regular passcode to unlock your phone.
- Continue at Screen Time>Content and Privacy Restrictions. Turn on by sliding the toggle at the top right corner. Scroll down to “Allow Changes” section and click on Account Changes, select Don’t Allow. A comment by a reader suggested to also select Pass Code Changes and select Don’t Allow.
One users in the comment section of the video also suggested
This should help protect your digital life from unscrupulous people while Apple comes up with an improved solution.
Some might think this is a nuclear option but it’s worth looking at if you regularly back up your device.
Erase data after 10 failed passcodes
Set iPhone to erase all information, media, and personal settings after 10 consecutive failed passcode attempts.
- Go to Settings , then do one of the following:
- On an iPhone with Face ID:Tap Face ID & Passcode.
- On an iPhone with a Home button: Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
- Scroll to the bottom and turn on Erase Data. (After 10 attempts)
Even better, treat your phone with care. Watch where you put it down or a pocket someone might reach into at a public venue and keep others from observing your passcode as you enter it. Treat your password as you would the one to your ATM.
As my Dad used to say, “locks only keep out honest people anyway”.
More to consider:
Physical Security Key https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213154
Legacy contact https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212361
More: https://youtu.be/BxB1Awsqsyw