New iPhone Security Feature

Everyone is worried about cyber-security. We hear all the time about businesses getting hacked, but individuals get hacked all the time, too — and a new iPhone security features aims to help protect you.

The new security feature is known simply as “USB Restricted Mode,” and it rolled out on July 9 as part of the new iOS 11.4.1 update. Here’s a look at what USB Restricted Mode is, as well as how it helps protect your privacy.

Protection Against Encryption Workarounds

One interesting thing about USB Restricted Mode is this: Apple hasn’t said much about it. Apple has only called the update a new “security protection,” but others have speculated about what it does and how it helps users.

In essence, this new feature makes it impossible for USB tools that plug into the Lightning port to make data connections to devices (iPhones, iPads, etc.) that have been locked for 1 hour or longer.

In the past, law enforcement agencies have used USB tools to decode passwords and access a user’s personal data — an encryption workaround that is no longer possible. After a device has been locked for 1 hour, the Lightning port will only work for charging.

No More GrayKey

Most iPhone users have never heard of GrayKey, but it is a USB device that plugs into an iPhone’s Lightning port and immediately starts guessing different password variations. In most cases, GrayKey can hack into a device in just a few hours.

Law enforcement agencies have used GrayKey in the past. But criminals might be able to use GrayKey (or tools like it) to do the same thing, stealing your iPhone and then hacking your personal information after gaining access to the device.

Apple hasn’t said much about this security update — but it sounds like the company intends to prevent law enforcement or anyone else from using a device like GrayKey to hack into your device.

Not Interested in USB Restricted Mode?

Like any good update, USB Restricted Mode can be turned off and on by the owner of the device. Go to Settings and then USB Accessories, where you’ll be able to use a toggle button to turn off and on the new security feature.

This is important if you use so-called “assistive” devices with your iPhone. You’ll find that they may not be able access your device in the way that you need them to. In these cases, all you have to do is turn USB Restricted Mode to “off,” and your device will work just like it did before the update.

Other iPhone Security Features

You can see a full rundown of iPhone security features here. You already know about the obvious ones, such as Face ID, Touch ID and passcodes. But there are several other important security features that users should be aware of. These important security features include:

Limit Ad Tracking:

You may enjoy advertisements that target your location and your interests. But some users may find this to be an invasion of privacy. To limit ad tracking, simply go to Settings > Privacy > Advertising > Limit Ad Tracking.

Ask Websites Not To Track Me:

This one is similar to Limit Ad Tracking, though it’s specific to Safari. Safari by default shares your IP address with the websites you visit, which allows them to serve you ads based on your searches and browsing history. Turn this off by going to Settings > Safari > Ask Websites Not To Track Me.

Microphone Access:

There are conspiracy theories that Facebook and some other platforms are listening to your conversations via your iPhone microphone. Whether or not this is true, you can turn off microphone access by going to Settings > Privacy > Microphone, where you’ll see a list of apps that have approved use (and that you can then turn off).

Location Services:

You want Location Services turned on for location-intensive apps, like Google Maps. But what about other apps? You may not want every app on your phone tracking your location every moment of the day. See a list of apps that have access to your location information by going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

What About Old Devices?

New iPhones and other devices come with new security features. But what do you do with your old devices? For example, you have a new iPhone X that comes with Face ID. What do you do with your old iPhone that still operates with Touch ID?

Here’s the best thing you can do: Turn that old device into cash. At Swift Tech Buy, we purchase old iPhones and other devices. Best of all, you can sell your phone without leaving your home, and you get your payment quickly via PayPal.

Learn more about how you can make money off your old devices.