Guide on Activating Device Guard for iPhone
Apple has introduced an enhanced security feature named Device Guard in the latest iOS 17.3 update. This feature significantly improves protection against iPhone theft and unauthorized access. Let’s explore how to activate Device Guard and secure your device.
Understanding Device Theft Protection
Traditionally, if your iPhone gets stolen, the thief, if aware of your passcode, can easily delete your Apple ID or perform a device reset. Device Guard, also known as Self Defense, changes this scenario. It mandates the use of Face ID or Touch ID for crucial tasks such as accessing saved passwords, disabling lost mode, resetting the phone, or setting up the device.
This added layer of security extends to safeguarding financial information, including payment methods stored in Safari, Apple Card applications, and wallet items like Apple Cash or money transfers. Device Protection goes beyond just a password, requiring Face ID or Touch ID verification before making significant changes. This impedes thieves from selling the phone for monetary gain.
Even if someone attempts to dismantle the phone, they cannot deceive a buyer into acquiring a stolen device.
Additional Security Measures
In cases where Device Protection is breached, a one-hour suspension is imposed by Apple as a security measure. During this period, actions such as changing passwords, signing out of the Apple account, or adding/removing a trusted device are restricted.
Trusted locations, such as your home or office, are exempt from these security rules. Opening the main settings under Protection and Security > Settings > Services allows your iPhone to recognize these settings. Deleting or disabling this history means your phone won’t remember known locations. For instance, if you’re away from a recognized location, Face ID or Touch ID will be required. Approval is needed again if you’re away for an hour.
Note: Privacy features are available on iOS 17.3 and above, specifically for iPhone XS and newer models.
How to Activate Device Protection:
- Go to Settings.
- Click “Face ID & Passcode.”
- Enter your phone’s password.
- Enable Device Protection.
What to Do If You Lose Your iPhone: In the unfortunate event of losing your iPhone, take immediate action by accessing Find Me and marking the device as lost through a web browser. This action suspends most functions and allows tracking on a map.
Show the marked-as-lost message to the police to assist in locating your iPhone. This operates similarly to AirTags, leveraging nearby Apple devices.
Use Lost mode to display messages on your iPhone screen, clarifying that it is lost, and provide your phone number for potential finders to contact you.
If you receive threatening messages demanding the removal of the device from your account under the threat of data leakage, ignore these messages and refrain from complying with such demands. It is a deceptive process.