Apple iPhone Thieves Reset Settings with Victim’s Passcode – Report
The Wall Street Journal reports that iPhone theft victims have fallen prey to a simple trick: thieves spying on their passcode to steal the device, then resetting settings to prevent access by the owner. Victims have reported stolen phones that were locked out of their accounts after being taken from their hands or at public places.
Thieves with knowledge of the passcode can reset the victim’s Apple ID password via the Settings app. They can disable Find my iPhone, preventing tracking or remote wiping, remove other devices from the account, and set up a recovery key to prevent account recovery. In one case, a thief opened an Apple Card using the phone owner’s Social Security number’s last four digits found in photos, while another lost family photos permanently.
Most victims filed police reports, with one filing an identity theft claim with the Federal Trade Commission. An Apple spokesperson said that while the iPhone is the most secure consumer mobile device, the company works to prevent new and emerging threats, sympathizing with users and taking all attacks seriously. The company believes these crimes are uncommon because they require the theft of the device and passcode, and it will continue to advance user account security.
To protect themselves, iPhone users can use Face ID or Touch ID in public, cover the screen when inputting a passcode, and keep an eye out for wandering eyes and prying hands.
Tech Line 