Apple Security, Part 1: Touch ID and Passcodes

Security has been a hot topic as of late. With the recent news regarding the NSA, Edward Snowden and allegations that Internet companies are capturing our data, it is imperative that we try to be aware of the risks and take steps to limit undesired intrusions. In this first of what I hope to become an ongoing series of posts, I'm going to discuss one of the security features Apple recently released: the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5s.

Apple has stated that over 50% of smartphone users do not use a passcode to lock their phone. By not using a passcode, users are opening themselves up to easy unauthorized access to the data on their phone, like birth dates, home and email addresses, phone numbers of family and friends, and possibly other personal information. Granted, like most security measures, a passcode reduces the convenience of the phone. This is one of the reasons I really like Touch ID - it provides greater security and greater convenience. Once Touch ID is enabled, all it takes to unlock your phone is to place your finger on the home button for a second. Apple claims a fingerprint is 5 times more secure than a 4 digit passcode, so you get more security and convenience by this one mechanism.

If you use Touch ID, you will still need a passcode, which is required after rebooting your phone or if you haven't unlocked your phone with your fingerprint for over 48 hours. But there's another benefit I think Touch ID will bring about. Now that it should be rare to need the passcode, people can use longer, more complex passcodes, which will provide even greater security. I believe Apple will roll out Touch ID to their iPad and iPod products, and I wouldn't be surprised to even see it get integrated into their computers over time.

It's easy to add a passcode to your iOS device; go to Settings -> General -> Passcode Lock (on the 5s it's called Passcode & Fingerprint). The default is a 4 digit passcode; to create a longer one or one with letters and special characters, turn off Simple Passcode. Another option on this screen includes how long to wait after locking your phone before requiring the passcode to be entered (Require Passcode). There are other options for which actions are allowed when the phone is locked such as Siri and Passbook. Finally, the last option (Erase Data) gives you the choice of erasing all data on your device after 10 failed passcode attempts. I like this last option but haven't enabled it on my phone yet - I worry one of my kids will play around with my phone trying to guess my passcode and end up wiping it out! A related option is Auto-Lock on the Settings -> General page. This option specifies how much idle time must occur before locking your device.

If you want to learn more about Touch ID, check out this Apple article on it.

Touch ID and other security features like Activation Lock (I'll cover that in an upcoming post) are demonstrating Apple is listening to its customers and beefing up its security infrastructure. But Apple is not the only company doing this. Google has been in the news recently with their enhancements to make all searches secure. With the public's focus on security, I'm sure we'll see other technology companies follow suit.

Apple 2013 Fall Presentation Overview

Apple held their fall presentation yesterday (September 10, 2013). The presentation focused on iOS 7 and 2 new iPhone models, the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s. Most of the features had been leaked prior to the presentation so there weren't too many surprises, but there were a couple. So let's go over each of these topics! I'd like to point out that not all features will be available on all devices.

iOS 7
Apple considers the latest operating system for iPhones, iPads and iPods the most significant release since the original iPhone. iOS 7 introduces a much cleaner and flatter user interface with new colors and typography. Plus, there are a number of great, new features. Macworld has written an extensive FAQ on iOS 7 but here's a summary of a few of these features:

• AirDrop -Will let you quickly share photos, contacts and other information with other nearby iPhone users without having to connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Control Center - Swiping up from the bottom of the screen will give you quick access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and audio controls, plus apps like flashlight, calculator and the camera.
• iTunes Radio - A new, free streaming Internet radio service. It will include over 200 stations, and you will be able to create your own stations by combining selections from the existing stations and music from your library.

iOS 7 will ship on the new iPhone 5c and 5s, and will be available for the following devices on September 18:

• iPhone 4 and above
• iPad 2 and above
• iPad mini
• iPod 5th generation

iPhone 5c

© Apple

The iPhone 5c is basically the same as the iPhone 5 with a choice of colored plastic backs and slightly upgraded camera. You will have a choice of 5 colors - white, blue, red, yellow and green. Plus, Apple is getting into the phone case business and offering cases for $29 that come in 6 colors - black, white, blue, red, yellow and green. The cases have holes in them that allow the phone's color to show, giving you the opportunity to mix-and-match colors.

You can preorder the 5c this Friday, September 13, or buy it in stores on the 20th. The 5c will cost $99 for the 16GB model and $199 for 32GB, with a 2 year contract.

iPhone 5s

© Apple

The 5s is Apple's high-end phone. It comes with a 64bit A7 processor and Apple claims you can get up to 2X the performance of the iPhone 5. Battery life has also been improved: 10 hours talk time, 250 hours standby, 10 hours web browsing, 40 hours music playback. Apple also continues to make impressive improvements to the camera app. The camera now includes digital image stabilization, a 10 fps burst mode, a 120 fps slow motion mode and automatic exposure adjustment while taking panoramic photographs. The camera sports a f/2.2 aperture and 15% larger sensor, both which will greatly help in low light situations. There is also a Dual LED color flash ("True Tone") which will offer better white balance and color matching. Engadget wrote a good piece highlighting more of the camera improvements.

Apple has changed up the colors for the 5s; you can get the phone in Space Gray, Silver, or Gold. And like the 5c, Apple is offering cases (leather for the 5s) for $39, in black, blue, red, yellow, brown and beige.

One of the big features of the 5s is Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor built into the home button that can be used to unlock your phone and to make iTunes purchases. I believe this is just the start of how Apple is positioning the iPhone to become a secure, payment device.

Apple is not taking preorders for the 5s; the phone will be available for purchase beginning September 20th. Prices are the same as the current iPhone 5: $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for 32GB and $399 for 64GB, all with a 2 year contract.

Apple has discontinued selling the iPhone 5, although it's still available at Amazon and other retailers. Apple will also offer the 8GB iPhone 4s for free (with a 2 year contract).

So, will you be buying a new iPhone? If so, I'd love to hear which one and which color! Sound off in the comments below!