New Trend In iphone Data Theft
A recent report by the Wall Street Journal has shed light on a new trend in iPhone theft where thieves are not just stealing phones but also the users' Apple ID and everything attached to it. This includes photos, videos, contacts, notes, and more. The thieves are also robbing victims of thousands of dollars by accessing their bank accounts, money-sending apps, and Apple Pay charges.
According to victims, the thieves typically befriend them in a small group and watch as they enter their passcode, which they later use to log in to the victim's Apple ID and change it to something of their own. This can be disastrous for victims who don't take the necessary precautions to protect their data.
While device theft cannot be completely avoided, iPhone users can take steps to minimize the likelihood of becoming successful targets. Here are some tips to protect your iPhone data:
Cover your screen in public: Thieves can use various tactics to get your passcode, including shoulder surfing and surreptitious video recording. When you're in public, keep your passcode out of prying eyes.
Strengthen your passcode: Make your passcode one that isn't easily guessed. Consider using an alphanumeric passcode.
Add more protection to apps: Take a look at the security settings in your banking and money transfer apps, and put the strongest security possible. Venmo, for example, lets users add a passcode—just make sure it isn't the same as your iPhone.
Use a password manager: Consider using a third-party password manager like 1Password, which offers biometric authentication.
Delete photos and scans of important documents on the phone: Since thieves can search for personally identifiable information, it's best not to have important files stored on your phone. If you really need to have important documents with you, store them in your third-party password manager.
Act quickly: If your iPhone is missing, sign in to your iCloud using another device and remote wipe your phone as soon as possible. Call your carrier to deactivate your SIM, too, so thieves can't receive any SMS verification. Finally, change the passwords of any accounts you use on the phone and revoke all access from devices.
In conclusion, it's essential to take steps to protect your iPhone data, as it can be disastrous if it falls into the wrong hands. At Waves IT and Consulting, we offer comprehensive cyber security and IT services to help protect your data and devices from theft and other cyber threats. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you stay safe in the digital age.