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Apple’s Password app poses a security risk because it relies on the iPhone’s passcode to unlock sensitive data. Phone thefts have surged by 150% in London, with organized criminals increasingly targeting devices by observing victims enter their passcodes before stealing the phones (The Guardian). In the U.S., one in ten smartphone users has experienced phone theft, and only 30% have recovered their devices (DarkReading). Once the passcode and device are stolen, apps like Apple’s Password app become vulnerable, giving thieves access to banking details and personal accounts. This has contributed to a 43% increase in financial fraud cases tied to stolen smartphones (BioCatch).

Apple’s Password app relies on a single point of failure: the phone’s passcode. Once compromised, thieves gain access to sensitive information without needing further verification. In contrast, password managers like 1Password offer independent authentication, meaning access is not tied directly to the phone’s security. Even if the iPhone’s passcode is stolen, users are protected by an additional layer of security—a master password. This separation greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, making 1Password more resilient to phone thefts.

Until Apple introduces independent authentication for its Password app, consider using alternative password managers like 1Password, which offer stronger protection. By combining biometrics with a master password, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing control of your sensitive information (The Wall Street Journal).

1 While 1Password is the author’s preferred password manager, any password manager that offers independent authentication will provide similar security benefits.

Works Cited:
BioCatch. “The Growing Connection Between Mobile Device Theft and Financial Fraud.” BioCatch, 2024.

DarkReading. “1 in 10 U.S. Smartphone Users Victims of Theft.” DarkReading, 2023.

The Guardian. “The Unstoppable Rise of Phone Theft.” The Guardian, 2024.

The Wall Street Journal. “Apple iPhone Thefts and Passcode Vulnerabilities.” The Wall Street Journal, 2023.