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Apple iPhones have been among the market’s most popular items.

As a result, if left unsecured, it may become the target of a swarm of bandits seeking to grab one from its owners.

Yet, thieves have adopted a new technique in their illegal operations.

iPhone thieves, according to studies, are increasingly seeking for a victim’s passcode before making their move.

The news

The Wall Street Journal reports that iPhone thieves are paying attention to their victims’ passcodes before snatching the Apple device.

They will then reset the settings, denying the owners access.

Victims have reported having their Apple iPhones taken from their hands in public areas such as pubs, only to discover that they had been locked out.

Passcode-savvy thieves can rapidly reset the victim’s Apple ID password.

They may also turn off the Locate My iPhone feature, leaving consumers in the dark and unable to track their iPhones.

Customers are also unable to delete additional devices associated with their Apple ID.

Criminals can also add a recovery key, denying the victim access to account recovery.

More than an isolated case

There were several reports, all alleging the same issue.

One victim, for example, said that a thief obtained an Apple Card by using the last four digits of their Social Security number in photographs.

Meanwhile, another woman had all of her family pictures destroyed.

The great majority of victims have previously reported to the authorities.

In one case, a victim reported identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission, alleging their loss.

Apple acknowledges the situation

With so many people experiencing the same problem, Apple is scrambling to come up with backup solutions.

The iPhone, according to a spokeswoman, is the most secure consumer mobile device on the market.

They went on to stress that the corporation is “tirelessly” striving to safeguard against new and emerging threats.

“We sympathize with users who have had this experience, and we take all attacks on our users very seriously, no matter how rare,” said the spokeswoman.

“We will continue to advance the protections to help keep user accounts secure.”

According to an Apple spokesperson, the new round of thefts is uncommon in that it includes both the device and the password or passcode.

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Preventing theft

Most systems recommend using a strong, unique password when creating passwords for devices and accounts.

The passcode, on the other hand, is a clear weak link, particularly when users select a short string of numbers for convenience.

Despite recent Apple improvements, the issue remains.

Apple has unveiled new ways to safeguard the Apple ID, such as physical security keys.

Apple suggests using Face ID and placing your palm over the screen when entering a passcode.

When Face ID (or Touch ID on prior versions) fails, the phone prompts the user for a password.

Upon unlocking the smartphone, enabling Apple Pay, and activating the iCloud Keychain password manager, the passcode shows.

Course of actions

It’s impossible to avoid theft, but Apple device users may make it more difficult for those who do.

Screen cover

Criminals routinely devise methods to get people’s passcodes, according to police authorities.

Some will even record their targets from a safe distance.

In public, users should use Face ID or Touch ID to prevent thieves from adding them to their list.

When a password or passcode is required, it is recommended that they input them like ATM pins.

Passcode strength

According to Adam Aviv, an associate professor of computer science at George Washington University, using six digits is a good practice.

Passcodes that are longer and more sophisticated will be more difficult to “shoulder surf,” according to Aviv.

Owners of Apple devices should use alphanumeric passcodes.

It is also advised to include a quick auto-lock to make it more difficult for thieves to change anything.

Additional protection

Most online banking applications require passcodes, and experts recommend generating one that is unique to the iPhone.

Users may also activate account limitations by setting up a Screen Time passcode, similar to how parents do with their children’s devices.

Third-party password manager

Although Apple’s built-in iCloud Keychain password manager is beneficial, passcode-protected passwords may also be read.

As a consequence, scammers can acquire access to bank accounts on their victims’ iPhones.

Nevertheless, users can use a third-party password manager that enables biometric authentication, like 1Password or Dashlane.

Delete traces of sensitive information

Some people are forgetful and may use photos of sensitive information, such as forms including their Social Security number, to help them remember.

As a result, it is wise to destroy duplicates of such documents.

As an alternative, users can use safe file storage in third-party password managers.

Act quickly if phone is stolen

If an iPhone is stolen, the owner must act quickly by checking in to iCloud from another device to locate and wipe the device clean.

Victims may easily call their carrier or go to a retail shop and have the sim deactivated to prevent them from receiving verification codes.

Image source: Wall Street Journal