Passcode vs Touch ID

There are merits and drawbacks to all of the methods for unlocking a device, and these can extend far beyond security. It should not be forgotten that there are also custom numeric and custom alphanumeric passcode options, and that touch ID does require a passcode in order to function.

Some of the merits to touch identification are that it is highly individual--a hacker is not easily able to copy a fingerprint. At the same time, some people have reported that they struggle to have consistent results with the identification of their fingerprints. Another benefit to touch ID is that it gives users with memory disorders such as dementia, and users with intellectual and cognitive impairments the ability to unlock their devices without having to remember a passcode. At the same time, it is more difficult for law enforcement authorities to get into a phone that has the second level of security that having touch identification enabled provides; this is very important for experts who try to unravel the events leading up to and into terrorist attacks.

I choose to have a four digit pass code, and to use Touch ID. The combination is convenient for me. I can easily, and quickly, unlock my phone, but a casual snoop cannot. Someone who really wants to get into my pone, is going to find a way.

I see an analogy with my front door lock. It will stop the casual interloper from entering my home, but a professional, whether governmental, law enforcement, or a bad person, will not be thwarted by anything. Further, the harder I make it for the very rare chance my phone will come under significant attack, the less convenient it is for me as I use it day in and day out.

If I had reason to suspect that my phone was a target, I would turn on the ten tries setting, and go with an alphanumeric, high entropy password. I would still use Touch ID.

they told me that a fingerprint would b easier on me so that I didn't have 2 always enter in a long passcode because believe me it gets annoying quickly even 4 a security conscious person such as myself. As 4 my method of choice I use the finger. It makes me feel better because it's easier & I know that only people that I allow 2 have access 2 my machien will have access. People that want 2 access my iPad without my fingerprint need 2 jump through a hoop or 2. I'm a security conscious person & I don't think a hacker is going 2 travel all the way over here just 2 cut off my finger.

O & did I mention that u can only use the finger u sit up your print with? I tried using my thumb 1 time & it sd `Try again` & wouldn't let me in until I had the right print.

What can I say? Convenience wins. I just take it like this. If someone gets their dirty hands on my phone, it is my own fault for letting my phone ly around. As for purchases, i use password. If that fingerprint identification thing should suddenly stop working, i will be doomed.

To me, the security aspect of the iPhone does not hinge on how it is unlocked. The only occasions in which someone would be unlocking it are if it is stolen or if law enforcement feels the need to know whether there are any hidden documents on it (no, there aren't, guys). For this purpose, I secure my device with a 6-digit code. However, the security of a code is unrelated to security from remote penetration (hacking) or most other attempts. Since the code, unlike a password, can only be entered to test from the phone itself, brute-force attacks are rather difficult to carry out. Therefore, using a simple code like 123456 will be insecure, but even a moderately difficult code like 275947 will stump the average thief. Law enforcement is a different beast entirely, but my recommendation to any aspiring criminals is not to rely on an iPhone, as lauded as it might be for encryption and security, to keep your data safe from governments. Not only has it been proven that the NSA and GCHQ have created IOS rootkits to gain access to all the data on a device, but a phone like this bleeds tons of information, much of it not secured, across a network. However, there is probably no reason to be paranoid about this surveillance, as reading it would take so much time that you can be rather confident that no one has gone to the effort of trying it on you. By the way, that isn't justification for such technologies, just a realistic assessment of how likely you are to be affected by them.

Seems many folks forgot about the other 3 options you have when setting passcodes; the other 1 much less secure than the other 2. When you create or change it, have a look at the passcode options. The choice is none on the bottom, and custom numeric and alpha numeric just above. Since you don't have to restart iOS that often, you really shouldn't have to enter it that often anyways to make having a 15 digit code like I do an inconvenience. Even on betas I've not restarted or powered off the phone or iPad since I installed the latest one.

Hello everyone. I'm resurrecting another old thread here. As some of you know I just got my first iPhone, and have been playing around with it. I attended 2 very helpful tutoring sessions too. I love it thus far, but sometimes I've found I have a bit of difficulty entering my pass code to unlock the phone. This hasn't happened that much though. But I think this is perhaps being caused by slidy surfaces such as my desks. I just discovered the Touch ID setting, and it sounds like this will be a real time-saver for me.

Hi,

I am, once again reviving this old thread. TouchID is what I use. I have a custom alphanumeric passcode, and use TouchID. It works well for me. TouchID is quite nice, as you don’t have to remember a passcode for most things. It’s required when your iPhone is restarted though. The setup is pretty easy, to the commenter above. You go to settings>TouchID and Passcoe. Then you select ‘add new fingerprint’. You are guided through the process of setting it up. You have to place you finger and lift your finger a lot. This process is fully accessible. Then you’ll get to a step called ‘adjust your grip’. You continue placing and lifting your finger. At this point in the setup process for TouchID, you’re almost done. Wait until VoiceOver says, “TouchID is ready. Then select done, and you’re good to go. Happy reading!

Like touch ID for iPad 9. Although face ID is good. Wish in a perfect world iPhone be like the galaxy phones. Both in the phone face and touch ID. Is that to much to ask!!!!!!!