The new update of iOS 17.3 includes a new layer of security that will protect your data in the event of theft by requiring your face or fingerprint to perform many tasks. We explain how it w orks and what it protects you against.
When updating to iOS 17.3, you’ll find a new option in the Face ID or Touch ID settings: “Device Theft Protection.” This new layer of security makes Face ID or Touch ID mandatory for certain tasks. There is also another level of protection that not only requires Touch ID or Face ID, but also adds an hour of waiting to be able to perform this action, after which you will have to identify yourself again with Face ID or Touch ID to perform it.
Face ID or Touch ID biometric authentication
- Use passwords or access keys saved in the keychain
- Use payment methods saved in Safari (autofill)
- Turn off Lost Mode
- Delete all content and settings
- Request a new Apple Card
- View your Apple Card virtual card number
- Perform certain Apple Cash and Wallet Savings actions (for example, transfers to Apple Cash or Savings)
- Use iPhone to set up a new device (for example, Quick Start)
Security delay
Also with theft protection You may be asked to wait an hour before using your iPhone to change important security settings. or Apple ID. You must authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, wait for the security timeout, and then re-authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID for the following actions:
- Change your Apple ID password
- Sign out of Apple ID
- Update Apple ID account security settings (such as adding or removing a trusted device, recovery key, or recovery contact)
- Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
- Change iPhone password
- Reset all settings
- Disable search
- Disable theft protection
Only in unknown places
To prevent this new level of protection from being annoying, Apple has added exceptions: sIf your iPhone is in a known location (e.g. your home), it will be disabled. It will not be mandatory to use the biometric identification system nor will there be mandatory waiting times to perform certain tasks. The new theft protection system will only work when your iPhone is outside of your known locations.
Apple Pay is released
Apple Pay is excluded from this new level of protection. You can continue to use your cards stored in your iPhone wallet using the unlock code, easy recognition or a fingerprint will not be required. This is something I miss and I hope Apple implements it in future updates.
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