Apple – No other brand comes close to Apple’s reputation for producing high-quality gadgets.

Apple iPhones have been among the most popular things on the market.

As a result, if left unattended, it may become the focus of a swarm of robbers looking to steal one from its owners.

And yet, thieves have developed a new method in their unlawful operations.

According to research, iPhone thieves are increasingly looking for a victim’s passcode before making their move.

The news

According to the Wall Street Journal, iPhone thieves are paying close attention to their victims’ passcodes before stealing the Apple gadget.

They will then reset the settings, restricting access to the owners.

Victims have reported having their Apple iPhones removed from them in public places like bars, only to learn that they had been locked out.

Thieves who are familiar with passwords can quickly reset the victim’s Apple ID password.

Companies may also disable the Find My iPhone feature, leaving customers in the dark and unable to trace their iPhones.

Users are also unable to erase additional Apple ID-linked devices.

Criminals can also add a recovery key, preventing the victim from regaining access to their account.

More than an isolated case

There were multiple accounts, all of which claimed the same thing.

One victim, for example, claimed that a thief got an Apple Card by photographing the last four digits of their Social Security number.

In the meantime, another woman had all of her family photos destroyed.

The vast majority of victims have already reported to authorities.

In one example, a victim complained to the Federal Trade Commission about identity theft.

Apple acknowledges the situation

With so many individuals having the same issue, Apple is scurrying to provide backup alternatives.

According to a spokeswoman, the iPhone is the most secure consumer mobile device on the market.

They went on to say that the company is working “tirelessly” to protect it from new and emerging dangers.

“We sympathize with users who have had this experience, and we take all attacks on our users very seriously, no matter how rare,” said the spokeswoman.

“We will continue to advance the protections to help keep user accounts secure.”

According to an Apple representative, the recent wave of thefts is unusual in that it contains both the device and the password or passcode.

Read also: Apple improves security approach for users

Preventing theft

When generating passwords for devices and accounts, most systems advocate choosing a strong, unique password.

The passcode, on the other hand, is an obvious weak link, especially when users choose a short string of numbers for convenience.

Despite subsequent enhancements by Apple, the problem persists.

Apple has introduced additional methods of protecting the Apple ID, such as physical security keys.

While inputting a passcode, Apple recommends using Face ID and laying your hand over the screen.

When Face ID (or Touch ID in previous versions) fails, the phone asks for a password.

The passcode appears after unlocking the smartphone, enabling Apple Pay, and activating the iCloud Keychain password manager.

Course of actions

Although avoiding theft is impossible, Apple device users may make it more difficult for those who do.

Screen cover

According to police officials, criminals constantly design techniques to get people’s passcodes.

Some people will even record their targets from a safe distance away.

To prevent criminals from adding them to their list, users should utilize Face ID or Touch ID in public.

When a password or passcode is necessary, it is advised that they be entered in the same manner as ATM pins.

Passcode strength

Using six digits is a recommended practice, according to Adam Aviv, an associate professor of computer science at George Washington University.

Longer and more complicated passcodes will be more difficult to “shoulder surf,” according to Aviv.

Apple device owners should utilize alphanumeric passcodes.

It is also recommended that a rapid auto-lock be included to make it more difficult for thieves to do anything.

Additional protection

Most online banking apps require passcodes, and experts advise creating one that is unique to the iPhone.

Account constraints can also be activated by setting up a Screen Time passcode, similar to how parents do with their children’s devices.

Third-party password manager

Although Apple’s iCloud Keychain password manager is helpful, passcode-protected passwords can potentially be read.

As a consequence, scammers can acquire access to bank accounts on their victims’ iPhones.

Nevertheless, users can use a third-party password manager that enables biometric authentication, such as 1Password or Dashlane.

Delete traces of sensitive information

Some persons are forgetful and may take photographs of sensitive information, such as paperwork including their Social Security number, to aid in their recall.

As a result, duplicates of such documents should be erased.

Users can also employ secure file storage in third-party password managers as an option.

Act quickly if phone is stolen

If an iPhone is stolen, the owner must act swiftly by logging into iCloud from another device to track it down and wipe it clean.

Victims may easily contact their carrier or go to a retail store to get their sim disabled in order to avoid receiving verification codes.

Image source: Wall Street Journal