Stolen phone

masonic

Shakin_Steve said:

As I've said in other threads, if biometrics fail on an iPhone, it reverts to passcode. Don't know about android.

You can set a strong lock screen password on Android (I'd be surprised if you couldn't on iPhone). That may not be much use if your phone isn't receiving security updates and is vulnerable to some recent exploit. The main benefit of biometrics is not revealing a password to someone observing as you use the device. It is also convenient to have a better password.

There have been recent news articles about gangs operating in UK cities snatching phones on the street and quickly passing them on for harvesting any information available for identity theft, bank fraud etc.

It has made me think a lot more about what to do if my phone is stolen, and how to keep it concealed when I am out and about.

Olinda99

yes the main purpose of biometrics eg face ID or fingerprints as an unlock method is not extra security as such but convenience - and the fact that you can unlock your phone without entering a password or pin thus avoiding shoulder surfing risks.

The same is true of eg banking apps

you should regard biometrics as a 'password autofill' method

DullGreyGuy

macy08 said:

DullGreyGuy said:

gadget88 said:

Yes I’m considering deleting banking apps to go abroad but of of happened in UK same issue could happen they could access bank 

Personally its all about what security you have on your device and if you know how to use it etc.

My phone can only be unlocked with biometrics, it instantly locks as soon as the screen is off, changes to security settings require a second biometric check 1hr after the request is made. All banking apps, passwords, emails require biometrics to open. I know how to activate lost mode. The only weakness I really have is text messages. 

Wife's phone got pickpocketed a while back, activated lost mode which does show my mobile number to them... they didnt get anything from the phone it appears... got a load of fake texts to try and get me to reveal details and then after not falling from them they moved on to threats if we didnt unlock the phone for them. It's a brick so either they break it for parts or sell it to someone without knowledge that it's bricked. 

Obvs the downside of lots of security is that if its a more violent person rather than just a snatcher/pick pocket you may be subjected to a longer ordeal if they a persistednt on getting in before they leave you.

Can I please ask what email app you use? I use the default Samsung which doesn't have this feature so am on the lookout for one that does.  Thanks 

I'm an Apple user but use Outlook which is FaceID locked

flaneurs_lobster

DullGreyGuy said:

macy08 said:

Can I please ask what email app you use? I use the default Samsung which doesn't have this feature so am on the lookout for one that does.  Thanks 

I'm an Apple user but use Outlook which is FaceID locked

I didn't know Samsung had an email app!

I use Outlook on my A54, it's locked by biometrics and is inside the Secure Folder (which is also secured by biometrics). SIM is also locked, different passcode to phone (which is also locked by biometrics).

BeerSavesMoney

masonic said:

Shakin_Steve said:

As I've said in other threads, if biometrics fail on an iPhone, it reverts to passcode. Don't know about android.

You can set a strong lock screen password on Android (I'd be surprised if you couldn't on iPhone). That may not be much use if your phone isn't receiving security updates and is vulnerable to some recent exploit. The main benefit of biometrics is not revealing a password to someone observing as you use the device. It is also convenient to have a better password.

There have been recent news articles about gangs operating in UK cities snatching phones on the street and quickly passing them on for harvesting any information available for identity theft, bank fraud etc.

It has made me think a lot more about what to do if my phone is stolen, and how to keep it concealed when I am out and about.

Yes you can on iPhone also, it generally defaults to a PIN set by the user or, as I have done, you can also change it to a password.

AmityNeon

https://becleverwithyourcash.com/a-thief-stole-my-iphone-and-spent-20000-of-my-savings/