Discover how to protect your digital information on your iPhone by changing a familiar feature: your device’s passcode. Learn how a little tweak can up your security game and prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
Earlier this week we shared a harrowing story from WSJ about an iPhone user who had her Apple ID stolen. As I read about her nightmarish experience of losing access to her memories and various service accounts, I realized how vulnerable we all are to such attacks. As someone who uses an iPhone, the thought of losing access to my Apple ID and having to change my passwords on all my devices is a terrifying prospect. I’m sure many other iPhone users can relate to this fear as well.
Apple uses a robust authentication system on iPhones that leverages Face ID, a 3D scanning solution. This biometric technology is bolstered by a passcode that allows users to unlock their phone or access services if Face ID doesn’t recognize their face. Such cases can occur when using masks or sunglasses that have not been previously configured.
You may already know that passcodes are less secure than biometric systems because they can be seen by people around you. Personally, I’ve prioritized convenience over security and misused passcodes. However, I’ve recently started using longer, alphanumeric passcodes for improved security. And that’s what I’m going to explore in this article.
This might seem overly easy for advanced users, but it’s amazing how small changes to your Apple passcode can greatly improve your device’s security.
First things first: what is a passcode and how does it work?
An Apple passcode is a security feature that allows you to lock your device with a numeric or alphanumeric code. Entering the passcode will unlock your device and give you access to your apps, data, and settings.
The passcode works by encrypting the data on your device, allowing anyone without the right code to access your information. It can also be used with other security features like Touch ID or Face ID for added protection.
How do you update your passcode on your iPhone?
While Face ID is a convenient way to unlock your device, it’s still important to have a strong passcode. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a longer passcode and a stronger passcode:
Go to settings. Choose Face ID & Passcode. Scroll down and click Change Passcode. Select Passcode Options to choose a custom alphanumeric passcode. Now you can use Face ID, Touch ID, or the new and stronger device passcode to authenticate and sign in to iPhone, favorite apps, and/or websites. When creating a new passcode, give priority to alphanumeric characters and choose a longer passcode. / © NextPit
As mentioned earlier, there are some mods that can help you create a more secure and distinctive passcode. Below is a list of these changes.
Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters: Using both uppercase and lowercase letters in your passcode makes it harder to guess or crack. Use numbers and special characters: To further increase the complexity of your passcode, use numbers and special characters like !, @, # or $. Use a longer passcode: The longer your passcode, the harder it will be to crack. Apple recommends using a passcode that’s at least six digits long, but you can make it longer if you’d like.
That’s all! I hope this article has helped you gain clarity about iPhone passcode security and take steps to improve it today. If you have any other recommendations for protecting your digital information, please let me know in the comments section below.
