9 Ways To Protect Yourself from Stolen Phones and Identity Theft

As smartphones become an extension of our identities, housing everything from personal photos and conversations to banking apps and digital wallets, the stakes have never been higher. A stolen phone isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to your digital security.

BecexTech’s Managing Director Santo Ludy shares expert advice on hidden iPhone settings you can activate or disable to protect your data and peace of mind if your device is stolen.

While most people are familiar with basic security measures such as enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), regularly updating software, or turning on location sharing, there are lesser-known iPhone settings that can provide an extra layer of protection in case your device is stolen.

“The rise in phone snatching in London and around the world is a stark reminder that our digital lives are more vulnerable than ever,” says Santo. “Most people know to have basic security measures in place such as two-factor authentication (2FA), regularly updating your iOS software, and enabling location sharing, but there are lesser-known and equally effective measures people can take to better protect themselves.

 “By taking simple steps, such as disabling ‘Control Centre’ in your settings to prevent thieves from turning on aeroplane mode, you can not only protect your phone but also your digital identity and peace of mind.”

9 Hidden iPhone Security Settings You Should Be Using

• Restrict access to Control Centre on the lock screen: In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, scroll to “Allow Access When Locked” and disable “Control Centre”. This prevents thieves from turning on Aeroplane Mode and keeps your device connected for tracking via Find My iPhone.
• Disable saved passwords and encrypt stored passwords: In Settings > Passwords > Autofill Passwords, toggle off the autofill option. Use a secure password manager that requires authentication instead.
• Enable automatic data wipe after failed login attempts: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and enable “Erase Data”. This feature wipes your iPhone’s data after 10 failed passcode attempts. Upgrade to a strong alphanumeric passcode for better protection.
• Disable lock screen notifications: Head to Settings > Notifications and choose which apps can display alerts on the lock screen. This restricts sensitive information from being viewed without a passcode.
• Disable Wallet access on the lock screen: In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, toggle off “Wallet” under “Allow Access When Locked”. This prevents unauthorised access to payment cards and other stored items.
• Disable USB accessories while locked: In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, ensure “USB Accessories” is turned off to protect your iPhone from being accessed via USB when locked.
• Set up a SIM PIN: Navigate to Settings > Mobile > SIM PIN to set a passcode for your SIM card. This stops thieves from receiving two-factor authentication codes or impersonating you.
• Shorten your auto-lock time: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and set it to 30 seconds. Reducing your auto-lock time limits the opportunity for a thief to access your data.
• Regularly review and remove trusted devices: Check Settings > [Your Name] > Devices to view and remove old or unused devices, limiting the risk of unauthorised actions via another device.