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Currently, iPhones offer various unlocking methods, with entering a 4 or 6-digit passcode being more common. However, this method is considered easily detectable. Therefore, refrain from inputting your iPhone password or iPhone 14 Pro Max 1TB in public places; instead, utilize Face ID or Touch ID. This will help users mitigate the risk of information and asset theft.
Avoid entering your iPhone password in public places
1. Why should you avoid entering your iPhone password in public places?
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), knowing an iPhone's passcode makes it easier for thieves to compromise users' Apple ID accounts. Losing access to an Apple ID account may result in users being unable to retrieve important data stored on iCloud.
WSJ also reveals an increasing number of cases where thieves monitor iPhone users in public places to covertly observe screen unlock passwords, then seize the device. Through this method, thieves can easily unlock the device and access finance-related apps to withdraw money and compromise important information from various other apps on the iPhone.
Apple ID accounts are vulnerable to theft when passcode reset passwords are exposed
When aware of an iPhone's password, thieves can reset the device password, disable Face ID, Touch ID, and change the Apple ID password. Subsequently, they will disable Find My iPhone to prevent the owner from locating the phone and limit the ability to remotely erase the device via iCloud.
Moreover, knowing an iPhone's password can enable thieves to set or reset the passcode on the device. The passcode comprises 28 randomly generated characters. This passcode serves the function of recovering access to the Apple ID. When the passcode is compromised, it means the user will permanently lose access to their Apple ID account.
Upon gaining access to an Apple ID account, thieves can steal money from banking apps, view sensitive information such as messages, emails, images, and more.
The passcode serves the function of recovering access to the Apple ID
2. It's advisable to use FaceID or TouchID in public places
To address the risk of unlocking iPhones in public places, Apple now offers two additional unlocking features including Face ID (available on iPhone 11, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, etc.) and Touch ID (available from iPhone 5S to iPhone 8 Plus). These features are highly regarded for their security and high level of personalization, utilizing the user's face and fingerprints as 'passwords'.
Apple encourages iPhone users to unlock their screens using Face ID and Touch ID in public places. This helps prevent thieves from stealing passwords. Additionally, Face ID and Touch ID offer more convenient and faster unlocking, requiring just a finger or face.
Furthermore, passwords for important accounts should be stored in unrelated password management apps, not tied to iPhone or Apple ID passwords, to minimize the risk of theft. Users can utilize the duration control feature to automatically lock the device after a certain period to prevent thieves from easily unlocking the screen.
It's recommended to use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock iPhones in public places
Synchronizing information across Apple products brings many benefits to users. However, exposing important information such as mobile phone passwords can lead to various risks of data theft. Therefore, users should securely protect this information and especially avoid entering iPhone passwords in public places to prevent unfortunate consequences.
