There is a way to change the password on a stolen iPhone

Attackers have found a new way to steal Apple smartphones and quickly change the password. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Media journalists found out that before the theft, thieves use social engineering methods to peep the iPhone lock code. Then the attackers steal the phone, use the code to unlock it and go to the gadget’s settings, where they get the 28-digit recovery key needed to change the password. After that, criminals have the opportunity to customize the device for themselves and block the previous owner of the device.

“Apple’s policy makes it virtually impossible for users to return to their accounts without this recovery key,” the WSJ authors noted. According to them, after an attacker receives a recovery code, the owner of an Apple smartphone has almost no chance of returning his device.

Knowing the recovery code, thieves can disable Find My iPhone and gain access to banking apps. According to journalists, “as a bonus” the victim is blocked from Apple ID, which can be linked to other devices of the American brand.

“We sympathize with people who have experienced this and take all attacks against our users very seriously, no matter how rare they may be,” Apple said in a statement. The company noted that they are constantly improving ways to protect consumers.

As a precautionary measure, the authors of the publication advised iPhone owners to use Face ID and Touch ID in public places. The journalists also recommended installing a complex passcode on the phone.

At the end of February, the authors of the WSJ found out that attackers began to figure out the password from the iPhone before it was stolen. According to the newspaper’s investigation, thieves began to spy on visitors to bars, restaurants and other public places.