iOS 17.3 Beta 1 adds Stolen Device Protection to the iPhone; Save your money, data, turn it on this way

tech.hindustantimes.com:

Apple recently rolled out the iOS 17.3 Beta 1 for those who have signed up for Apple's Developer program and are eligible to receive beta updates. The rest of the users will likely get the global stable version in January 2024. This update added a couple of interesting features, among which, Stolen Device Protection is a notable one. The feature adds another security layer for sensitive actions on your iPhone by using your biometrics. This makes it quite an important feature for users. So, check out how exactly this feature works and how can you turn it on.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year highlighted the rise in iPhone theft in public places. These incidents of theft had a common pattern. The attacker would typically observe the target for a while. During this time, they surreptitiously observed the iPhone owner enter the passcode of the phone. Once they have it figured out, they wait for the target to move to an isolated spot and steal it from them. Within minutes, they would use the same passcode to break into the phone and change it as well as the biometrics, ensuring the original owner is now locked out of their own device.

Also read: Apple rolls out iOS 17.3 Beta 1 update; Stolen device protection, Collaborative playlist, more coming your way

After the report, Apple soon announced the Stolen Device Protection, which adds another protective layer over the passcodes using biometrics. When this feature is enabled, certain areas such as accessing passwords in iCloud Keychain, turning off Lost Mode, erasing content, and making purchases in Safari will require the user to confirm their biometrics via FaceID or TouchID.

On top of that, areas that are extremely sensitive, such as changing the Apple ID