Technology & Innovation

iPhone’s new automatic restart feature locks encrypted data after a long period of inactivity


Your iPhone data just got safer, thanks to the new feature in iOS 18.1. This update includes an important security measure designed to protect your device and its encrypted data after long periods of inactivity.

iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

What’s new?

Apple introduced the Inactivity Restart feature in iOS 18.1, which automatically restarts your iPhone if it’s been idle and unlocked for more than three days. This feature uses the Secure Enclave Processor (SEP) to monitor the last time your iPhone was unlocked.

If the device remains locked for an extended period, SEP notifies the kernel, which triggers a reboot and stops Springboard (the iOS kernel).

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Illustration of a lock on data (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

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Why is this important?

The main benefit of idle restart is better data protection. By forcing a restart after a long idle time, the iPhone essentially erases the encryption keys from memory. Once restarted, the phone enters a “sleep” state. This makes it almost impossible for cybercriminals to decrypt data. Even if the device is left powered on for an extended period, this feature ensures that legacy forensic tools used by cybercriminals will not be able to access sensitive information.

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iPhone on the table (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

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Influencing law enforcement

Although this new security measure is a big win for privacy, it has raised concerns with law enforcement. Specifically, they face more challenges when trying to unlock phones for forensic analysis. but, Researcher Jessica Klassen He points out that three days are still enough to coordinate steps with analysts to access the device.

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Police car (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

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How to activate the automatic restart feature

To enable this feature, all you have to do is make sure your iPhone is running iOS 18.1. Here’s how to check and update:

  • Go to Settings And press it
  • Click general
  • Click on Software update
  • Click Update now To download and install iOS 18.1

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Steps to update iPhone

Steps to update iPhone software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

More ways to keep your iPhone safe

Although the idle restart feature is a valuable security tool, it is not a foolproof solution. To further protect your data, consider taking these additional steps:

1. Set a strong password: Create strong passwords for your accounts and devices and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Using the same password across multiple platforms will always make you more vulnerable, because if one account is compromised, they will all be compromised. Consider using a Password manager To create and store complex passwords.

2. Having a powerful antivirus program: The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install antivirus software on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

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3. Back up your iPhone regularly: Backups prevent data loss resulting from malicious attacks. It is a crucial step to protect your personal information. Here’s how to do it:

  • Go to Settings
  • handle iCloud
  • Click iCloud backup
  • handle Backup now

4. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA It is an additional shield that prevents a hacker from accessing your accounts on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:

  • Go to Settings
  • Click on your name
  • Click Login and security
  • handle Add a trusted phone number
  • Click He continues

After you add a trusted phone number, for security reasons, when you sign in to your account on a new device or on the web, you’ll need your password and a partition factor, such as a six-digit code sent to your devices or phone numbers.

5. Enable stolen device protection: This feature It adds an extra layer of security if your iPhone is stolen by requiring biometric authentication for sensitive actions when you’re not in a familiar location. To enable it, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings
  • Click on Face ID and passcode (or Touch ID and passcode)
  • Enter your Passcode If you are asked to do so
  • Scroll down to the Stolen device protection section and click Turn on protection
Steps for the stolen device

Steps to enable stolen device protection on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

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Key takeaways for Kurt

The new automatic restart feature is a big step forward in improving iPhone security, providing additional protection against cybercriminals. As security technology continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about what future developments might look like.

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What other security features would you like to see on your iPhone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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