Insecurity and theft of cell phones like the iPhone are increasingly frequent problems in large cities around the world.Beyond the loss of the device, the theft of a phone implies the exposure of personal data, access to bank accounts, social networks and essential digital services.
The number of cell phone thefts is in the thousands in many cities each year, which has made the protection of information and remote control of the device a priority for users.
In this context, it is not only important to try to prevent theft, but also to reduce the damage once the phone has been stolen.To do this, there are key functions that every iPhone user must have activated and correctly configured.
The first step is to make sure you have up-to-date iCloud credentials. This access is essential to use the Find My feature, where you can:
Another important measure is to review which functions remain active when the iPhone is locked.From Settings > Face ID & Passcode, you can disable access such as the Control Center (to prevent airplane mode from being activated or the connection being disconnected), the Notification Center and widgets (which can reveal sensitive information), the option to reply to messages or return missed calls, and quick access to Wallet.
In this menu you can also activate automatic deletion of content after 10 failed code entry attempts, which creates an additional barrier against forced unlock attempts.In addition, Apple allows you to require Face ID or Touch ID to open critical applications, such as social networks or banking apps, making access to sensitive information even more difficult.
One of the most delicate scenarios is theft when the criminal knows the unlock code.For these cases, Apple incorporated the Device Protection function in case of theft.When activated, the most sensitive system and Apple account actions require mandatory biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), even if the code is known.
In certain circumstances, the system adds a one-hour waiting period before authorizing critical changes, during which a second biometric authentication is required.This margin allows the user to activate Lost Mode from another device or via iCloud.com before the security settings are altered.
Protection can be set to activate only outside known locations (such as home or work) or permanently.Deactivating it also requires biometric controls and, in certain cases, a waiting period.
Lost Mode, available at iCloud.com/find, is the key tool after theft.Allows you to lock your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch, preventing unauthorized access and displaying a personalized message on the screen.
Likewise, the location of the equipment continues to be updated on the map and payment cards and associated services are suspended.Although your device does not issue notifications, you can still receive phone and FaceTime calls.Lost Mode is only deactivated by entering the device code or through biometric authentication.
These functions do not prevent theft, but their correct activation and joint use can significantly reduce the impact, protecting personal information, digital accounts and the user’s identity in an environment where the cell phone has become an indispensable extension of daily life.
