New Delhi: Further complicating the process of breaking into iPhones and iPads, the new iOS 9 will now require you to insert a six-digit passcode instead of four-digits.
While this tweak might not look like a major overhaul to the passcode input process for users, but it surely toughens up the task of hackers who now have to deal with one million possible permutations, compared to the earlier 10,000 possible combinations.
Passcodes are still an optional feature for newer iDevices equipped with TouchID, and users can still create a more complex alphanumeric password. After 10 failed attempts, the device will erase itself.
A report on Ars Technica notes that this boosted security comes amidst the growing calls by government officials for backdoors in encrypted digital communications.
FBI Director James Comey had said last year that Apple’s secure devices precludes the authorities from accessing data on iPhones directly from a locked device’s hardware even with a warrant. This concerns the authorities as such devices allowed people to “place themselves beyond the law.”
While government authorities have a different take on the encryption of devices, consumers are likely to find it as a welcome addition as it will deter violent crimes like robbery and make user data more secure.
The change in passcode input affects the iPhone 5S, 6, 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, and iPad Mini 3, and newer iDevices that will come pre-loaded with the new iOS.
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