As we getting close to the public release of iOS 11.4, more and more reports have discovered some hidden features. And now, according to security blog Elcomsoft, the update introduces a USB Restricted Mode which contains a security protocol on access to the Lightning port on your iOS devices.
Specifically, once you update the devices to iOS 11.4, there will be a week-long expiration date on access to the Lightning port on your iOS devices if your phone hasn't been unlocked, in other words, if it hasn't been unlocked or connected to a paired Mac or PCs in the last 7 days using a passcode, the Lightning port is useless for data access and limited to charging. Apple's description of the change:
To improve security, for a locked iOS device to communicate with USB accessories you must connect an accessory via Lightning connector to the device while unlocked - or enter your device passcode while connected - at least once a week."
Apple's intention to introduce the feature clearly towards to digital forensics specialists like Grayshift, who can break into a device, at least using any simple techniques. However, it's important to note that such method won't prevent tools like the GrayKey box from being used on an iPhone, but it sure helps when they face long passcodes.
Originally, Apple plans to include the security change in iOS 11.3, later on, the company decided to change mind, so it's possible they may still work after iOS 11.4 is released, or may not. Anyway, setting up an alphanumeric passcode and mixed with numbers, uppercase/lower letters should be able to largely improve the privacy.
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