Here are all the details about how criminals use this feature and what it is.
Thieves lock you out of your iPhone: Here’s how
The victim, Greg Frasca, had his iPhone 14 Pro stolen at a bar in Chicago after someone saw him enter his passcode, reports WSJ. The person stole the iPhone with the intent of gaining access to the victim’s banking and Apple Pay accounts. The thieves were able to access her iPhone through the passcode and also changed her Apple ID password. The thief took additional measures by enabling the Recovery Key feature, which basically locked the victim out of her Apple ID.
What is the recovery key feature on an iPhone or iPad?
A recovery key is a 28-character code that is randomly generated and can help you change your password or get back into your Apple ID. The unique feature is that it allows people to change their Apple ID password instantly without knowing the previous one.
To generate a new recovery key, access Settings or System Preferences on a trusted device that’s signed in with your Apple ID.
- To access the Password & security section, go to Settings, select your name, and then select Password & security. You may be required to input your Apple ID password.
- Click on the option labeled “Recovery key”.
- To activate the recovery key, slide the corresponding button.
- To use the recovery key, you will need to enter the passcode.
- It is recommended that you record your recovery key and store it in a safe place.
- Please enter your recovery key on the following screen to confirm it.
What does Apple say?
So essentially, if someone knows your passcode and has access to your iPhone, they have the power to lock down your Apple ID and disable tracking. Apple recently released a statement on the issue.
“We empathize with those who have had this experience and we take all attacks on our users very seriously, no matter how rare. We work every day to protect our users’ accounts and data.” work tirelessly, and are always checking for additional protection against such threats.
– Apple, to The Wall Street Journal
how to be safe
Well, if someone malicious has access to your passcode, there’s not much you can do. What you can do though is use Face ID and Touch ID to secure your phone, and keep your passcode hidden in public places, as most incidents have been reported from crowded places.
