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A recent Wall Street Journal exposé has shed light on a chilling new twist in phone theft: criminals targeting iPhones not just for resale, but to drain victims’ bank accounts. This puts our financial security at even greater risk in the mobile age. But don’t panic! By understanding the techniques thieves use and implementing some simple preventative measures, you can significantly bolster your defenses.
How They Do It:
- Peeking Passcodes: Thieves may observe you entering your passcode in public, or even shoulder-surf when you unlock your phone at a cafe.
- Brute Force: Some try common passcode combinations or utilize specialized software to crack weak passwords.
- Exploiting Security Flaws: Recent vulnerabilities have allowed bypassing authentication and accessing saved passwords stored in the iPhone keychain.
The Aftermath:
Once thieves gain access, they can wreak havoc:
- Change Apple ID passwords: Locking victims out and disabling security features like Find My iPhone.
- Transfer funds: Mobile banking apps, Apple Pay, and Venmo become easy targets.
- Open new accounts: Saved personal information can be used for fraudulent transactions.
Protect Yourself:
- Double Down on Security: Use strong, unique passcodes and enable Face ID or Touch ID.
- Mind Your Surroundings: Be discreet when entering your passcode and avoid using your phone in high-risk areas.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Implement an extra layer of security for banking and financial apps.
- Regular Updates: Keep your iOS and app versions updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and financial apps for suspicious activity.
- Lost Mode Activation: Enable Find My iPhone and Lost Mode immediately if your phone is stolen.
- Report Theft: File a police report and contact your bank and financial institutions to freeze accounts and report fraudulent activity.
Remember, vigilance is key. By adopting these practices and staying aware of the evolving tactics of phone thieves, you can make your iPhone less of a target and keep your bank account safe and secure. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and enjoy your mobile life with peace of mind. Subscribe to the Silverwatch Academy newsletter and follow us on YouTube to keep up to date on the latest tips and tricks for staying safe.