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Simple iPhone security fix you need ASAP

Simple iPhone security fix you need ASAP

Adding a PIN to iCloud might save your bacon. Here's how to do it.

Leander Kahney
March 02, 2023

You may think your digital life is secure, but crooks have been switching up tactics to rob people blind by swiping their iPhones, which can give the criminals access to everything.

There’s been a rash of cases recently where robbers watch someone unlock their iPhone in public, learning their passcode. Then they swipe the phone and quickly change settings and passwords before the victim can remotely lock the device.

The thieves can then wreak havoc at their leisure, draining bank accounts, shopping online, applying for credit and otherwise making the victim’s life miserable.

But there’s a very simple fix in iCloud settings that will save you a lot of grief if you set it up now. We show you how in today’s top post.

Also in today's newsletter:

Apple’s charging more for replacement batteries, but is giving more for trade-ins. 🤷
If you don’t have a scanner app, get one. They’re easy to use and make a lot of paperwork much simpler.
Apple’s testing a new Rapid Security Response system to quickly close security holes.
Season two of excellent dinosaur docuseries Prehistoric Planet is coming soon to Apple TV+.
And don’t forget to participate in today’s poll. Have you been the victim of cybercrime?

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Simple security hack keeps your iCloud account safe from iPhone thieves

Add an extra password to your iCloud account on your iPhone and it might save your skin if your phone is ever stolen in a bar or in public. By default, your iPhone passcode is all someone needs to lock you out of your devices.

Apple now charges more for iPhone, iPad and MacBook battery replacements

Apple will now charge you $20 to $50 more to replace the battery of your out-of-warranty iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Tests go on of iPhone security-fix system that doesn’t require full iOS updates

Apple sent developers a Rapid Security Response bug patch, part of an upcoming system that will quickly close security holes.

A message from the Cult of Mac deals team

Digitize your tax docs (and everything else) with this top iPhone scanning app

Streamline tax season with a discounted lifetime subscription to the highly rated iScanner app. Just $39.99 (regularly $199) through March 2.

Apple shutters N.C. store after nearby shootings

An Apple retail store in Charlotte, North Carolina, has closed its doors, reportedly because there were too many shootings in the area.

‘Prehistoric Planet’ dino documentary season 2 thunders toward Apple TV+

The epic dinosaur documentary series is scheduled to stomp back onto Apple TV+ in May.

Apple boosts iPhone, Mac and iPad trade-in values

Apple bumped how much it will pay for trading in used products. It's a definite improvement for some MacBook and iPad models.

This 13-port docking station is a real bargain

You're going to need a docking hub for all your gear, and this 13-in-1 Docking Station with Dual HDMI is a great way to keep it all organized.

Today in Apple history: Here comes the Macintosh II

On March 2, 1987, Apple launched a proper sequel to the original Macintosh 128K.

Tweetz o’ the day

In 2017, Apple filed a patent for a way to turn your iPhone into a Macbook.
How? There’s a laptop casing and you dock your iPhone in the trackpad section (and the phone provides the processor, memory and storage). We need this.
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan)
4:02 AM • Mar 2, 2023

The emotional roller coaster of working in tech these days.
— Dare Obasanjo (@Carnage4Life)
8:29 PM • Mar 1, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

In most people's vocabularies, design means veneer. It's interior decorating. It's the fabric of the curtains and the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service.

— Steve Jobs, 2000

Have you fallen victim to cybercrime?

Results from yesterday’s poll: How many monitors do you use?

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