Technology
Stolen Device Protection in latest iOS 17.3 update protects your iPhone even more from crooks
What would happen if your iPhone fell into the wrong hands? Have you ever worried about that? Well, worry no more, because Apple just rolled out a new software update that makes your phone more secure than ever.
The now available iOS 17.3 update comes with a feature called Stolen Device Protection, which locks down your phone with your biometric verification. This means that it prevents a crook from accessing or changing certain settings on your phone without your Face ID or Touch ID.
Stolen Device Protection can be a lifesaver if your iPhone gets lost or stolen, as it gives you more time to track it down or wipe it clean. It also stops a thief from using your saved passwords, credit cards, or Apple Cash to buy stuff or send money. With Stolen Device Protection, you can rest assured that your iPhone is safe and secure, even if it’s not in your hands.
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Stolen Device Protection feature on iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How Stolen Device Protection prevents unauthorized access to your iPhone
Stolen Device Protection enhances the security of your iPhone by requiring Face ID or Touch ID for certain actions, even if you have a passcode set up. Normally, if Face ID or Touch ID fails, you can enter your passcode to unlock your phone or perform other tasks. But with Stolen Device Protection, some actions will only accept your face or fingerprint, and others will have a security delay of one hour before you can use your passcode.
This means that if someone steals your iPhone and tries to access your sensitive data or change your settings, they won’t be able to do so without your biometric verification. And if they try to guess your passcode, they’ll have to wait an hour before they can try again. Stolen Device Protection applies to the following eight actions on your iPhone:
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1) Use payment methods saved in Safari (autofill)
2) Turn off Lost Mode
3) Use passwords or passkeys saved in Keychain
4) Erase all content and settings
5) Apply for a new Apple Card
6) Use your iPhone to set up a new device (for example, Quick Start)
7) Take certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet (for example, Apple Cash or Savings transfers)
8) View Apple Card virtual card number
How Stolen Device Protection affects your iPhone security settings and Apple ID
With Stolen Device Protection, you might have to wait for an hour before you can modify important security settings or your Apple ID. You need to verify your identity with Face ID or Touch ID if your iPhone is in an unfamiliar place. After the security delay is over, you have to use Face ID or Touch ID once more to change the following 8 actions on your iPhone.
1) Change your Apple ID password
2) Sign out of your Apple ID
3) Update Apple ID account security settings (such as adding or removing a trusted device, Recovery Key, or Recovery Contact)
4) Add or remove Face ID or Touch ID
5) Change your iPhone passcode
6) Reset All Settings
7) Turn off Find My
8) Turn off Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection also adapts to your location. By default, it won’t activate if your iPhone is in a familiar place, such as your home or work. But if your iPhone is in an unfamiliar place, it will ask for your Face ID or Touch ID before you can do any of the actions listed above.
How to update your iPhone software to iOS 17.3
First things first, Stolen Device Protection is available on iPhones that support Face ID or Touch ID and have iOS 17.3 or later installed. So, if you haven’t installed iOS 17.3, here’s how to do it.
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network and has enough battery power
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Next, click Software Update
- Tap Download and Install if you see the iOS 17.3 update available
- Enter your passcode if prompted and agree to the terms and conditions
- Wait for the download and installation to complete. Your iPhone will restart automatically when the update is done.
Screen showing software updated (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Before turning on Stolen Device Protection
Before you enable Stolen Device Protection, you must use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID and set up or enable the following on your iPhone: a device passcode, Face ID or Touch ID, Find My, and Significant Locations (Location Services). To turn on Significant Locations, go to Settings, tap Privacy & Security, and then click Location Services. Scroll down to System Services and click it, then tap Significant Locations.
iPhone screen pop-up warning (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to turn on Find My on iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
- Click on Find My
- Then tap on Find My iPhone
Steps to turn on Find My on iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- Next, toggle on the switch next to Find My iPhone. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
DON’T CLICK THAT LINK! HOW TO SPOT, PREVENT PHISHING ATTACKS IN YOUR INBOX
Steps to turn on Find My on iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to enable Stolen Device Protection on your iPhone
Now that you performed all of those steps above, you are ready to turn on Stolen Device Protection. To enable it, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode)
- Enter your passcode if prompted
- Scroll down to the section for Stolen Device Protection and tap on Turn On Protection
Steps to turn on Stolen Device Protection on iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
What isn’t protected with Stolen Device Protection?
If a crook has your passcode, Stolen Device Protection isn’t going to stop them from accessing your email and other unprotected apps. Third-party accounts can be reset by email or text. Apple Pay also still works with just a passcode. That’s why you need to take 3 extra steps to secure your device:
1) Create a strong passcode: Make sure you don’t have an easy-to-guess passcode like 1-2-3-4. You can create an Alphanumeric passcode on your iPhone, which means you can use letters, numbers, special symbols, or any character that is on the full keyboard. Here’s how to do it.
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your current passcode
- Scroll down and click Change Passcode
- Enter your current Passcode again
- Tap where it says Passcode Options
- Tap Custom Alphanumeric Code
- Type in your new Alphanumeric passcode (you can use letters, numbers, special symbols, or any characters)
- Then tap Next
For the next 72 hours, you can use your previous passcode to reset your new passcode if you forget it. Speaking of forgetting, we recommend using a password manager to securely store and generate the complex Alphanumeric passcode on your iPhone. It will help you to create a unique and difficult-to-crack Alphanumeric passcode that a hacker could never guess. It also keeps track of all your passcodes and passwords in one place.
2) Add PINs to sensitive apps, especially your finance apps, by enabling an additional PIN or biometrics. If you use an authenticator app, you can turn on Face ID or Touch ID protection.
3) If your device is stolen, act quickly: You’ll want to log onto icloud.com/find to locate your device and remotely erase its data – pronto! Find out how to find your lost phone here.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Stolen Device Protection is a new feature that makes your iPhone more secure from thieves and hackers. It requires Face ID or Touch ID for certain actions, even if you have a passcode set up. It also has a security delay of one hour for some actions, giving you more time to locate or erase your device. And it adapts to your location, only activating when your iPhone is in an unfamiliar place.
How would you react if your iPhone were stolen and you had this feature enabled? Would it at least make you feel a bit more secure? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
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Technology
Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs
Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.
In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.
Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.
You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.
Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”
Technology
Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?
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If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention.
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple’s next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing.
The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.
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WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS
U.S. buyers of certain iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models may qualify for payments if a judge approves Apple’s proposed settlement. (Getty Images)
What Apple is accused of promising
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way.
The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected.
That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products.
How much money could iPhone owners get?
The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors.
That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket.
Which iPhones may qualify?
The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model.
The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States.
HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE’S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle claims it misled customers about Apple Intelligence and Siri features on newer iPhones. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg)
How will you file a claim?
You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website.
That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available.
Why this case matters beyond one Siri feature
This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later.
That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes.
This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. “Coming soon” can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more.
We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE
Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle claims tied to its marketing of Apple Intelligence and Siri features. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)
What this means to you
If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal.
You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details.
More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait?
That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later.
Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Technology
Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos
Instagram is once again cribbing from competitors like Snapchat and BeReal with a new photo-sharing format it calls “Instants,” which are ephemeral photos that you can’t edit and that you can only share with your close friends or followers that follow you back. Instants are available globally beginning on Wednesday as a feature in the inbox in the Instagram app and as a separate app that’s now in testing in select countries.
To access Instants from the Instagram app, go to your DM inbox and look in the bottom-right corner for an icon or a stack of photos. After you post a photo, your friends can emoji react to it and send a reply to your DMs, but after they see it, the photo disappears for them. Instants also disappear after 24 hours, and they can’t be captured in screenshots or screen recordings.
However, your Instants will remain in an archive for you for up to a year, and you can reshare them as a recap to your Instagram Stories if you’d like. You can also undo sending an Instant right after you post it or delete it from your archive.
The Instants mobile app, which popped up in Italy and Spain in April, gives you “immediate access to the camera” and only requires an Instagram account, Instagram says. “Instants you share on the separate app will show up for friends on Instagram and vice versa. We’re trying this separate app out to see how our community uses it, and we’ll continue to evolve it as we learn more.”
Instagram, in its testing, has seen that people “tend to use Instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day,” according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. “And we know that this type of sharing of personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram Instagram, but we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.”
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