devices.md

Device Security

iOS Passcode

As of iOS 9, Apple has increased Passcodes from 4 numbers to 6. Along with other improvements, this has a dramatic effect on the ability to brute force access.

Setting a Numeric Passcode

A numeric passcode can be set by:

1. Settings -> Touch ID/Face ID & Passcode (Note: Touch ID is only available on 5s and newer; Face ID is available on the X or newer)
2. Turn Passcode On
3. Enter a 6 digit number

Setting an Alphanumeric Passcode

Passcodes are more complex the more components they can contain. iOS does support an alphanumeric passcode by:

1. Settings -> Touch ID/Face ID & Passcode
2. Turn Passcode On
3. Select Passcode Options in blue #0000ff
4. Choose Custom Alphanumeric Code
5. Enter a passcode 6 or more entries in length

Touch ID

With iPhone 5s and greater, Apple has implemented Touch ID. Once a 6 or greater passcode has been set, Touch ID is absolutely acceptable.

Face ID

With iPhone X and greater, Apple has implemented Face ID. Once a 6 or greater passcode has been set, Face ID is absolutely acceptable.

Setting Passcode Activation Period

Passcode activation period is the time after which an idle iPhone or iPad will require a passcode. This can be set by:

1. Settings -> Touch ID/Face ID & Passcode
2. Require Passcode
3. Choose a time of After 5 minutes or less.

Enabling Use Touch ID/Face ID for iPhone Unlock and Use Touch ID/Face ID for iTunes & App Store within Settings -> Touch ID & Passcode results in a Required Passcode of Immediately. This is great!

Capturing Status

1. Settings -> Touch ID/Face ID & Passcode (Note: Touch ID is only available on 5s and newer; Face ID is available on the X or newer)
2. Capture a screen shot of which includes Turn Passcode Off and Require Passcode.

Android Passcode

Setting a Numeric/Pattern Passcode

A numeric or pattern passcode can be set by:

1. Settings -> Security & Location
2. Turn Screen Lock On
3. Enter a 6 digit number for your pin, set an alphanumeric password of 6 characters or longer, OR set to pattern

• If you opt for the pattern lock, see the next section

Increase Pattern Security

While patterns can be less secure than a pin or alphanumeric password, there are tactics for making this option more secure if you prefer this route.

1. Turn off "Make Pattern Visible." This will hide the visual path as you move your finger on the screen. How to set:

• Go to settings -> security -> screen lock (gear icon/ settings)
• Turn off the toggle for "Make Pattern Visible."

2. Choose a pattern that crosses over itself. In other words, avoid patterns that could be solved by tracing the leftover marks on your screen.
3. Set Fingerprint ID as your primary option and use the pattern as a backup (if the option is available to you)

Fingerprint ID

Some Android devices support Fingerprint security. Once a 6 or greater passcode has been set, Fingerprint ID is absolutely acceptable.

Setting Passcode Activation Period

Passcode activation period is the time after which an idle iPhone or iPad will require a passcode. This can be set by:

1. Settings -> Security & Location
2. Screen Lock gear icon
3. Choose a time of 5 minutes or less.

Capturing Status

1. Settings -> Security & Location
2. Capture a screen shot which includes Screen Lock
3. Touch the gear icon next to Screen lock
4. Capture a screen shot which includes Automatically lock setting