Stay One Step Ahead: iOS 17.4 Security Update Overview

When Apple released iOS 17.4 on March 5 introduced new features and bug fixes to the iPhone. This update includes fun additions like new emoticons and practical tools like virtual card numbers for Apple Cash. It has also improved security by offering additional settings to protect against a stolen device, giving you more control over your iPhone’s security.

Stolen device protection, which was first introduced in iOS 17.3, adds an extra layer of security to your device’s sensitive data. As CNET’s David Lumb reports, this feature requires additional verification steps if you’re not in a recognized location, such as your home. You will need to authenticate with your biometric information twice: once initially and then again after a one-hour delay. You’ll then be prompted to make changes, such as updating your Apple ID password or turning off stolen device protection. These measures help protect your data in the event that your device is lost.

With iOS 17.4, Apple addresses a potential security vulnerability related to the Stolen Device Protection feature. Previously, if you lost your iPhone in a place your device recognized as familiar, such as a coffee shop you visited or an apartment building, there was a risk that someone else could bypass this security feature. However, the latest update allows you to set your iPhone to always enforce a one-hour security delay for accessing sensitive data, regardless of your location. This change ensures that your data remains protected under all circumstances, increasing security even in places your iPhone considers safe.

Enable one-hour protection delay on iPhone

1. Open Settings: Start by launching the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode: You may need to enter your password.
3. Scroll down and tap Stolen Device Protection: Find this option in the list.
4. Enable protection from stolen device: If the switch next to Stolen Device Protection is not already on, tap it to enable it. If it is already enabled, go to the next step.
5. Tap Always under Require security delay: This setting will impose a security delay when someone tries to access sensitive information regardless of your location.

By setting the security delay to “Always”, you ensure that even in known locations there is an extra layer of security before accessing your sensitive data.

With the new Stolen Device Protection feature in iOS 17.4, your iPhone is set to always impose a one-hour security delay to access or change certain sensitive settings. Whether you’re in a familiar place like home or elsewhere. This measure helps ensure that your device remains protected by providing an extra layer of protection. This can be crucial if your iPhone is lost or falls into the wrong hands. This consistent application of security delay is designed to deter unauthorized access and effectively protect your personal information.

Stay protected with additional security features

Stolen Device Protection in iOS offers an extra layer of security for certain settings on your iPhone, but it’s important to know that it doesn’t cover all aspects of your device’s security. For example, you can still use your iPhone’s passcode to authorize Apple Pay transactions, which means that stolen device protection doesn’t fully protect your financial transactions. This shows that while device theft protection improves the security of specific settings, you should continue to take comprehensive measures to protect all of your sensitive information and financial data. Always make sure your passcode is strong and secure, and be vigilant about monitoring and managing your iPhone’s permissions and security settings to protect against unauthorized access or misuse.

Apple strongly advises all users to enable protection against stolen devices. Even if you choose not to set a one-hour security delay for each situation. This feature adds an important level of security. This can help protect critical settings on your device in case you lose it.

For more information on what Apple has to offer, you can take a look at what new features may come with iOS 17.5. This will help you review everything that Apple has included in iOS 17.4.