Since most of us rely our entire digital lives on our phones, we are often confident with our device’s security features. However, recent concerns have arisen among Apple users as various ways have emerged in which iPhone thieves across the country are locking victims out of their devices. They exploit vulnerabilities to access an iPhone. In this article, we will show you five ways iPhone thieves can also get through your phone’s security and how you can protect yourself against it.
In a Wall Street Journal video by Joanna Stern, a convicted thief was interviewed as he explained how he got his way through Apple’s secured features, bagging thousands of dollars through hundreds of Apple phones.
As simple as it may sound, tech robbers can steal your passcode to unlock your device by simply looking at it. When in public, tech-equipped thieves would look out for people typing their passcodes. Through this, they can easily hack your sim, Apple ID password, other pins, and biometrics. These criminals can change the details they have access to such as your personal information, and even break into your bank accounts without any problem.
Robbers are able to steal and may attempt to use advanced biometric features like Face ID or Touch ID password to gain unauthorized access to iPhones, exploit the apps such as social media and banking apps, even change the settings, especially if they have the device or found ways to brute force hack it.
iOS or security weaknesses can be exploited by skilled hackers to gain access, jeopardizing the user’s sensitive information. Apple account passwords that are not changed over time can be a gateway for hackers in this scenario. Being able to access the iCloud keychain can be possible if these weaknesses are discovered by the wrong hands.
Social engineering tactics may be used by criminals to steal your iPhone and its user’s data to reveal their passcodes, enabling unauthorized access to the device.
If a robber has access to stolen biometric data, they could potentially use it to bypass the iPhone’s security measures such as FaceID or TouchID to unlock an iPhone.
If you’re an avid Apple user, your iPad, and even your Mac can be compromised due to the nature of Apple. If a thief gains access to it, they can potentially compromise the user’s personal and financial information stored on the device.
Stolen iPhone passcodes can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, draining your own hard-earned money, and even posing a serious security threat.
Thieves can use your Apple Pay maliciously, and other financial services if they gain access to an iPhone, leading to financial repercussions for the victim. Once the phone and the passcode are in the hands of these robbers, they can drain your money, and credit cards, and do transactions in your name. This can significantly increase the risk of identity theft and fraudulent activities using the victim’s personal data. Compromised iPhone passcodes can compromise the overall security and privacy of the device, leading to potential data breaches and privacy violations.
The owner should take immediate action to secure and protect their data from further unauthorized access.
Reporting the theft of any phone to law enforcement and relevant authorities can aid in the investigation and potential recovery of the device.
Resetting and strengthening devices and robust security measures can help mitigate the impact of phone theft and prevent further unauthorized access.
Enabling MFA or two-factor authentication and biometric security features such as Touch ID or Face ID can enhance the security of an iPhone and prevent unauthorized access. Your fingerprint is unique, so better utilize it.
Using strong, unique pincodes and regularly updating them can make it more challenging for thieves to get through your phone.
Enabling device tracking and remote lock/wipe features can help protect an iPhone and the data it contains in the event of theft or loss. A stolen device protection is also available for you to utilize.
Strengthening the security of Apple ID and iCloud login details with additional security measures can prevent unauthorized access to the associated devices and data. A device passcode can be recovered through a recovery key.
Remaining vigilant against social engineering and phishing attempts can help deter thieves from manipulating iPhone users into disclosing their pin or other codes.
Above all, knowing cybersecurity basics will help you fight against these unfortunate happenstance as we become proactive in the ever-evolving world of technology.
© Copyright 2024 MBC Managed IT Services. All Rights Reserved.
