Stolen iPhone—Here’s What To Do Now To Protect Your Data
The risk of a stolen iPhone is growing, as people spend more on devices and keep all their data and banking information inside. Apple has introduced Stolen Device Protection to lock your iPhone if it's taken and wipe it so thieves can't access your data. However, some users don't think Apple is doing enough to stop this epidemic. A theft victim has even filed a case against the company in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
If your iPhone has been stolen, there are steps you can take immediately to try and reduce the impact from thieves. First, log onto iCloud/find and sign in using your Apple ID. Then select your missing iPhone from the list, select Lost Mode, and enable this. You can also use iCloud/find to see your iPhone's current location.
Next, notify law enforcement and your mobile provider, so the latter can help prevent any further data loss by suspending your account. You may also be able to file an insurance claim for your device. However, a thief can unlock your iPhone if it is in Lost Mode, if they have access to your passcode or Apple ID.
Secure Your Apple ID And Other Passwords Consider changing your Apple ID and password, as well as any other passwords you use on your iPhone. You can also use a secure password manager that requires authentication. Another useful iPhone setting is the ability to wipe all your data so thieves can't get hold of it.
Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and enable Erase Data. This feature automatically wipes your iPhone's data after 10 failed passcode attempts, making it much harder for thieves to access your information. To make it even more effective, upgrade from a simple 4-digit code to a strong alphanumeric passcode.
Disable Wallet Access On The Lock Screen People keep quite literally a wealth of data in their Apple Wallets, so ensure this isn't available on the Lock Screen where someone else might get at it. In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, toggle off Wallet under Allow Access When Locked.
A SIM PIN ensures that if your SIM is removed and inserted into another device, it cannot be used without a code, preventing thieves from receiving two-factor authentication codes or impersonating you. Navigate to Settings > Mobile > SIM PIN to set a passcode for your SIM card.
Keep Your iPhone Safe From Thieves If you are lucky enough not to have had your iPhone stolen, taking some small steps to protect it will help protect your data. Reduce your auto-lock time limits by going to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and setting it to 30 seconds.
Additional Tips for iPhone Safety
Use A Password Manager On Your iPhone It might be more convenient but avoid saving passwords in browsers or apps without encryption. Instead, use a secure password manager that requires authentication. "This prevents thieves from accessing your accounts with saved login details, and turning off auto-login/autofill adds another barrier to unauthorised access."
In Settings > Passwords > Autofill Passwords, toggle off the autofill option. You can use Apple's Passwords App for this, which has many of the features of traditional password managers such as 1Password and LastPass.
Restrict Access To Control Center On The Lock Screen Disabling Control Center prevents thieves from turning on Aeroplane Mode or altering other settings without unlocking the phone. In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, scroll to Allow Access When Locked and disable Control Center. "Keeping Aeroplane Mode off means your device stays connected, which is crucial for tracking it via Find My iPhone," says Santo Ludy, managing director at tech outfit BecexTech.
Conclusion
The safety of your iPhone starts at home. Ensure that your PIN is difficult to crack, using the longest combination of numbers possible. Where possible in your apps and for passwords, ensure you are enabling two-factor authentication and regularly updating software. By following these tips, you can help protect your data and prevent your iPhone from being stolen.