Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Itel S23 Phone Now with These Tips

Pattern locks have been available for about as long as people can remember, and they have been hugely popular with people thanks to how easy it is to simply swipe your screen and unlock your smartphone, as against, say, keying in the 4-digit PIN/ 6-digit PIN. However, pattern locks are easy to crack, and today, we bring you all you want to know about pattern locks and how to create a hard pattern lock. Further to this, we also tell you how to move beyond pattern locks and what to do in case you forgot the hard pattern lock you just set and are unable to unlock your smartphone.

Part 1: What You Need to Know About Pattern Locks

Pattern lock is an Android-only feature that makes it easy for users to have a modicum of security on their smartphones. Most users do not prefer using and remembering a PIN to unlock the smartphone. Creating a pattern makes it easier, somehow.

There is a 9-point grid on which you swipe your finger from point to point, in any direction, and when you take your finger off, that pattern you swiped becomes the key to unlock your smartphone.

Pattern locks were exceedingly common only a few years ago, and they are not recommended for use any longer due to concerns (mentioned later in the article).

1.1: Popularity and Usage

Old habits die hard, or so they say, right? That’s because it is true. We are creatures of habit, and pattern locks have been around for a long, long time. We are accustomed to pattern locks. So, even with even easier technologies such as fingerprint recognition and face recognition, we tend to gravitate towards the familiar old pattern lock.

The only thing is, there is a reason why pattern locks are no longer the preferred option to use for unlocking your smartphones. As it happens, that reason is security, and it can be very easy for humans to take a swipe (pardon the pun) at your pattern lock. And guess what? The research conducted suggests that they would get it right with an unsettling accuracy.

1.2: Advantages and Drawbacks

With on-the-go lifestyles, our smartphones have become indispensable and contain some of the most sensitive aspects of our lives – IDs, credit and debit cards in digital wallets, photo and video memories, business documents – you name it, the smartphones have it, on the go. This has opened our lives up to the public at large, and if someone steals our smartphone or, best case, finds it, the only barrier preventing them from being privy to all that wealth of our sensitive information is that screen lock – the pattern lock that we set on our smartphones. That’s it – the single pattern lock stands between malicious actors and our data. You might be beginning to realize just how crazy this is.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There are two advantages to using pattern locks. One, they are better than nothing. Two, they are easy to use. And that’s about it. There is no third advantage to pattern locks. We might think we set a hard pattern lock that nobody could guess, but, as research proves, we might be thinking too low of human prowess.

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

Security, or rather, the lack of it, is the lone disadvantage of using a pattern lock. What good is a pattern lock that can be easily deciphered? Sure, they are easy to use, and they are better than not having anything, but would you really want to protect your life’s data with something that could be, as researchers found out, breached in under 5 attempts? We don’t think you do!

The research found that 64% of test subjects who were shown videos of people unlocking their phones could correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock, that too after viewing the video only once! That number shot up to 80% if they were allowed to see the video again. That is simply astounding and a nightmare for security. When it comes to PINs, only 11% could guess a 6-digit PIN after viewing the unlocking video once, and that number shot up to 27% when they could see the video two times.

Part 2: How To Create a Hard Pattern Lock (Including Remembering Complex Patterns)

Now, if you must continue using a pattern lock, let’s help you know how to create a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy to decipher as easy pattern locks. For that, you should know how people use pattern locks, the kind of pattern locks they create, and the ones that are the most commonly used pattern locks. That way, you can avoid those fallacies and create a hard pattern lock for your smartphone.

2.1: The Pattern Locks People Use Most Commonly

Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, gave a presentation on pattern locks at DEFCON 23 and made a bold claim. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.”

She presented the following statistics to support her claim:

• - In her research, she found that 77% of people started with one of the 4 corners when creating a pattern lock.
• - 44% of people started with the top-left dot and 15% with the top-right, while the bottom-left was preferred by 14% of her test subjects.
• - People set 5-point pattern locks on average, and most users were content with a 4-point pattern.

These are some of the most common pattern locks people create:

• - patterns in the shapes of alphabets,
• - patterns in the shapes of numerals,
• - patterns in any other simple shape, such as square, triangle, star, etc.

To understand how this is a security nightmare, the possible combinations for a 4-point pattern are a measly 1624, whereas by adding just 1 more point to the pattern and creating a 5-point pattern, the number of possible combinations becomes 7152, an increase of 5528 combinations. In stark contrast, creating a 9-point pattern would give you over 140,000 possible combinations!

2.2: How to Create a Hard Pattern Lock

Knowing what most people do when creating a pattern lock, it becomes easy to avoid those mistakes and instead create a hard pattern lock for oneself.

• - Do not start creating a pattern lock from any of the 4 corners of the grid.
• - Never use your first initial as your pattern lock.
• - Never use the shape of a numeral as your pattern lock.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid to create your pattern lock, and contrary to popular belief, you can go over the connecting lines several times, creating a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy for people to decipher!

Part 3: Going Beyond Pattern Locks

You might think that now that you have set a hard pattern lock, you are good to go. Hardly. Technology has evolved, so have methods to break into your device.

Step 1: Set a 6-digit PIN

The minimum you should do today is set a 6-digit PIN to unlock your phone. Consider this a necessary investment into the safety of your data residing on your smartphone.

Step 2: Use Fingerprint Recognition (or Face Recognition on Apple Devices)

All modern smartphones released over the last decade have come with fingerprint recognition. Using fingerprint recognition requires you to set a 6-digit PIN and then set a fingerprint to unlock your device. You can set additional fingerprints, too.

This way, your device is the most secure it can be today. In case your fingerprint is not recognized for any reason, the phone falls back on the 6-digit PIN that you can enter and unlock your phone.

While face recognition is available on both Android and Apple devices, it is truly secure only on Apple devices. This is why Apple iPhones released after the iPhone X in 2017 have come only with Face ID. They fall back on a minimum 6-digit PIN (called Passcode in Apple world) to unlock in case the face does not get recognized in the first attempt.

Part 4: How To Unlock Phone If Hard Pattern Lock Forgotten

Just in case you set a hard pattern lock and promptly forgot that abstruse pattern you just set, we have a tool for you to quickly unlock your phone in case of a forgotten hard pattern lock: Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove the Hard Pattern Lock on Your Itel S23 If You Forgot!

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,671 people have downloaded it

Download the latest version of Dr.Fone from the Wondershare website and launch the app.

Step 1: Click Android under Toolbox > Screen Unlock.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: Select your device manufacturer.

Step 4: Prepare your device to unlock the screen.

When the greyed Next button becomes available, click it and wait for your device to be unlocked.

All data on the Itel S23 device is wiped under this method. Select Samsung phones may be unlocked without data loss. Check this list for devices that may be unlocked without data loss.

Closing Words

Whether it is an easy pattern lock or a hard pattern lock, the fact is that pattern locks are antiquated and a security nightmare. A minimum 6-digit PIN must be used, and using fingerprint recognition is the preferred way to go for Android devices. Using fingerprint recognition will require that users create a 6-digit PIN. On Apple devices launched after 2017, there is Face ID, Apple’s marketing term for face recognition. If you did indeed still set a hard pattern lock, only to promptly forget it, use Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to seamlessly unlock your phone right now.

Still Using Pattern Locks with Itel S23? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice

They have been along for a long, long time now – pattern locks – the easiest of all smartphone locks. You just swipe your finger across to create an easy pattern lock of your choosing and that’s it, it becomes your new screen lock. No more remembering tedious digits! So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them? Let’s take a dive and find out all about pattern locks.

Part I: Things To Know About Pattern Locks

The first cellphone locks were 4-digit number locks. Then came 6-digit codes, and even alphanumeric ones. Pattern locks were all the rage a while ago. Though pattern locks continue to be used, they are not considered safe to use any longer. What is all that about? Here’s what you need to know about pattern locks, whether you are a seasoned pattern lock user or not.

I.I: What Are Pattern Locks?

Believe it or not, technology has advanced at such a rapid pace in the last two decades that you’d be forgiven if you don’t know what a pattern lock is, especially if you have only ever used iPhones, or Android phones in just the last few years.

Pattern locks are patterns you create on your smartphone and designate as a smartphone lock/ screen lock. There is a 9-point keypad of sorts, and you start swiping your finger from any point to any point for any which way you feel like. Android 13 allows a minimum of 4 points registered. They are easy to create, and easy to use, hence called easy pattern locks.

Pattern locks have only ever been offered on Android devices and were commonplace a few years ago until they were deemed not secure enough for use by modern standards because they were easy to figure out by malicious actors.

I.II: Popularity and Usage

Pattern lock is a feature unique to Android and has been so since the start. Naturally, it is one of the preferred ways users have come to unlock their Android devices over the years. Even though modern Android smartphones come with fingerprint recognition and face recognition technologies, there exists a large subset of users still addicted to and acclimatized with the pattern lock feature, opting over fingerprint and face recognition.

There has been, however, research conducted into the safety and security offered by pattern lock in Android.

I.III: Advantages and Drawbacks

Modern smartphones very nearly contain the entirety of our lives; photo memories, video memories, important documents both financial and personal in nature, banking apps, ID and ATM/ credit cards in the “wallet” apps, and whatnot. A smartphone falling into the wrong hands could very nearly be used to devastate the rightful owner, both financially and otherwise. And this is not a claim out of thin air; spyware/ malware/ phishing attacks are on the rise around the world. Locking the smartphone, once considered optional and an unnecessary hassle, is now an absolute must.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There is no denying that using an easy pattern lock to lock their smartphone seems enough for most users. Swiping your finger across your smartphone to unlock it feels not only cool and futuristic but safer and more secure than remembering and punching in digits. And, for the most part, it is true, given that 4-digit PINs can only have 10,000 unique combinations!

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

While very easy to use, security researchers and experts have come to agree that the feature is not in the least safe to use, and that is because of how people use the pattern lock feature (discussed in detail below in part II). Some go so far as to say that most pattern locks can be breached in just 5 attempts or less. Imagine that!

What is more, research has found that humans have an uncanny ability to correctly guess a pattern lock simply by viewing the unlocking! The test comprised showing the test subjects videos of users unlocking their phones from different angles and varying distances, and it was found that around 64% of test subjects were able to correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock in one viewing only, and 80% could correctly guess the pattern after just two viewings. By contrast, only 11% were able to correctly deduce a 6-digit PIN after one viewing, and only 27% after viewing twice. This goes to show just how insecure pattern locks are!

Part II: How People Use Pattern Locks

We might wonder how anyone would be able to guess the correct pattern of our device, but believe it or not, it is possible, eerily easily at that! We are all the same humans, after all! You know how people usually set PINs that could be significant dates in their lives? How they get car registration numbers that mean something to them? The same ‘logic’ applies to their setting pattern locks.

At DEFCON 23, Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, presented something that stunned people around the world. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.” What followed was an expert presentation outlining and detailing user behaviors around pattern locks.

These are some commonly created pattern locks by people:

• - shapes of alphabets,
• - shapes of numerals,
• - any other easy-to-make, simple shape.

Marte Loge presented the image below, showing how people naturally gravitate towards creating simple shape patterns, in her research.

To further help you see how easy it might be for anyone to guess your pattern, Marte Loge also presented some statistics.

• - 77% of people started their patterns in one of the 4 corners.
• - 44% of Loge’s subjects started their pattern with the first dot, the top-left one. The next number was 15% for the top-right and 14% for the bottom-left.
• - These percentages did not vary much depending on left-handedness or right-handedness.
• - On average, irrespective of gender, people set 5-point patterns, with 4-point patterns being the most common. This means that the number of combinations on average was 7152 for 5-point patterns and a bogglingly low 1624 for 4-point patterns.

The above data makes it amply clear how using an easy pattern lock is actually worse than using a 4-digit PIN, simply because how people are usually using the pattern lock feature.

Part III: Tips For Using More Secure Pattern Locks

Now, we know how hard it is to break habits cemented over years of use, so in case you must at all costs use a pattern lock only, the least you can do is try and change your easy pattern lock to a better, more secure hard pattern lock.

III.I: How to Create More Secure Patterns

Here are some tips to help you create a better, more secure pattern lock for your smartphone.

• - Avoid using any of the corners to start the pattern.
• - Never use your first initial as a pattern.
• - Never use a digit shape as a pattern.
• - You can pass through the same pattern lines multiple times over. This makes it more difficult for someone to guess your pattern correctly.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid while setting the pattern lock! That simple act takes the possible pattern combinations to over 140,000, significantly more than 10,000 for 4-digit PINs, and vastly superior to paltry 1624 for a 4-point easy pattern lock!

III.II: Forgot Your Pattern? Unlock Your Itel S23 Without Pattern Lock With Dr.Fone

Supercharged with the information above, you went ahead and changed your easy pattern lock to a hard-to-guess pattern lock. Only problem is, your brain is habituated to that old pattern, and you’ve suddenly forgotten what the new pattern was! Well, worry not; Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) will help you unlock your phone without pattern lock !

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best Tool to Unlock Your Itel S23 without Pattern Locks!

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Download the newest version of Dr.Fone from the Wondershare website and launch the app.

Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock and click Android.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: You will see a list of supported manufacturers on the next screen. Select yours.

Step 4: Now, follow the onscreen guide to prepare your device for screen unlocking.

After completing the process, when the Next button becomes available, click it.

Your device will be successfully unlocked.

Note that this method wipes all data on the Itel S23 device. There is no way around it. You may be able to unlock select older Samsung devices without data loss. Check this list for those devices.

Closing Words

Pattern locks are outdated and not safe to use an easy pattern lock – there are no two ways about it. As such, our recommendation is to start using a 6-digit PIN along with biometric or face recognition. However, we do understand that sometimes, you simply cannot use biometrics or face recognition. For those instances, we recommend that you use this guide and create a more secure pattern lock for your device. In case you forgot your pattern, there is always Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to save the day.

Top 4 SIM Location Trackers To Easily Find Your Lost Itel S23 Device

Losing your smartphone can be a distressing experience. It’s not just a device; it’s a treasure trove of memories and personal information. Fortunately, technology has come to the rescue with SIM location trackers. These useful tools will help you ensure your lost device is never truly lost.

Whether you call it a SIM location tracker, a SIM card locator, a SIM card finder, or even a SIM card number finder, these smart solutions are your best friends in times of need. So dive in and discover the top 4 SIM location trackers to make device retrieval a breeze.

Part 1: Why You Need SIM Location Trackers at Your Disposal

In today’s fast-paced world, losing a smartphone happens more often than one would like to admit. Picture this: You’re in a rush, juggling tasks, and suddenly, your phone slips out of your pocket or bag. Panic sets in as you realize it’s nowhere to be found.

Losing your smartphone can be depressing, not just because of the cost of replacing it. Think about all the photos, messages, and personal information stored on it. It’s like losing a piece of yourself. This is where SIM location trackers come to the rescue.

Common Scenarios of Device Loss

Check out some of the most common scenarios where a phone might get lost:

• Have you ever left your phone in a cab or at a restaurant? It’s surprisingly common.
• Sometimes, it slips out of your pocket during a hectic commute.
• In the worst cases, it might even get stolen.

The Growing Need for SIM Card Finders

With lives deeply intertwined with technology, the demand for easy and effective device tracking is rising. People want solutions that don’t require a tech genius to operate. They want something simple, straightforward, and, as much as possible, free SIM card locators.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a SIM Location Tracker

Now, here are the top factors you need to check when you are about to choose an online SIM location tracker.

• You need a tracker that can pinpoint your device’s location precisely.
• Ensure it works with your device and operating system.
• **User Reviews.**Check what others say about the tracker. Real user experiences matter.
• **Additional Features.**Some trackers offer extra perks like geofencing or remote device control. Consider what suits your needs.

The bottom line is that SIM location trackers offer a lifeline when your device vanishes into thin air. They’re your best shot at getting it back quickly and easily. Plus, in this age of digital privacy, knowing where your personal information is can be a big relief.

In the next part of this journey, this article will delve into the top 4 SIM location trackers that are here to make your life simpler and your devices safer. So, stay tuned and explore these handy tools that bring peace of mind to the palm of your hand.

Part 2: Top 4 SIM Location Trackers

Now that you understand why SIM location trackers are essential let’s dive into the world of these handy tools. This section explores four of the most popular SIM card finder that can help you track your SIM card location online for free.

Hoverwatch

Hoverwatch is your go-to solution for simple and effective SIM location tracking. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, it offers accurate GPS tracking call and SMS monitoring and operates in stealth mode.

Key Features

Check out Hoverwatch’s essential features below:

• It provides real-time GPS tracking to pinpoint your device’s location accurately.
• You can monitor calls and messages on the target device.
• Hoverwatch operates discreetly, so the user of the tracked device won’t know it’s being monitored.

Pros

Listed below are Hoverwatch’s advantages:

• Easy to set up and use, making it ideal for beginners.
• Supports a wide range of devices and operating systems.
• Affordable pricing plans.

Cons

Below is the drawback of using Hoverwatch:

• Some advanced features may require rooting or jailbreaking the target device.

mSpy

For a comprehensive monitoring solution that includes SIM location tracking, mSpy is a top choice. It not only provides real-time location tracking but also offers geo-fencing and social media monitoring. mSpy is particularly popular among parents who want to ensure their children’s safety online.

Key Features

Key characteristics of mSpy are as follows.

• Track the target device’s location in real time.
• Set up virtual boundaries and receive alerts when the Itel S23 device enters or leaves these areas.
• Monitor social media activities and messages.

Pros

The benefits of using mSpy are as follows:

• Excellent for parents who want to ensure their child’s safety online.
• Comprehensive monitoring, including text messages, calls, and social media.
• Compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Cons

The disadvantages of mSpy are outlined below:

• Relatively higher pricing compared to some other trackers.
• Advanced features might require device rooting or jailbreaking.

Spyic

Spyic is a trusted name in the world of monitoring and tracking software. It offers precise location tracking, works without rooting or jailbreaking, and comes with features like geofencing. Spyic is highly reliable, user-friendly, and compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Key Features

See the highlights of Spyic below:

• It provides accurate location information, including location history.
• Spyic can be used without rooting or jailbreaking the target device.
• Set up virtual boundaries and get alerts if the Itel S23 device enters or exits these areas.

Pros

Here are some of Spyic’s many benefits:

• Highly reliable and user-friendly.
• Works on both Android and iOS devices.
• Offers a web-based dashboard for easy monitoring.

Cons

The drawbacks of utilizing Spyic are as follows:

• The pricing may be a bit on the higher side for some users.
• Some advanced features may require a premium subscription.

Spyzie

Spyzie is a versatile monitoring tool covering SIM location tracking and more. It provides accurate location updates, social media monitoring, and call/text tracking. One of its standout features is that it doesn’t require complex technical procedures like rooting or jailbreaking, making it accessible to users of all levels.

Key Features

Take a look at some of Spyzie’s best qualities:

• Get real-time location updates of the target device.
• Track social media activities, messages, and media files.
• Monitor calls and text messages on the target device.

Pros

Spyzie’s benefits are as follows:

• Compatible with Android and iOS devices.
• There is no need for complex technical procedures like rooting or jailbreaking.
• User-friendly interface for easy navigation.

Cons

The Spyzie’s drawback is detailed here:

• Pricing plans might be a consideration for budget-conscious users.

Part 3: How To Unlock iPhone SIM?

Now, what if you don’t only want to track your SIM number location but also want to deal with other iPhone SIM-related issues like SIM not supported, invalid SIM, locked SIM, or no network servicing? Luckily, this article is also set to share a robust solution - Wondershare Dr.Fone – SIM Unlock. This versatile tool helps you locate your device and ensures your iPhone’s SIM card functions smoothly.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS)

Best SIM Unlock for iPhone.

• Simple, click-through, process.
• Fix SIM unlock with a few clicks.
• Supports almost all carriers, from Vodafone to Sprint.
• No tech knowledge required, everybody can handle it.
• Supports the latest iOS version fully!

4,395,217 people have downloaded it

Why Choose Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock

Below are the key features that make this tool unmatched:

• Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock is your trusted companion for various iPhone models. Whether rocking the latest iPhone or an older version, this tool has your back.
• **User Friendly Interface.**No need to be a tech wizard to use Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock. Its straightforward interface ensures that even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can easily unlock your iPhone SIM.
• **Broad Compatibility.**It supports many iPhone models and is regularly updated to stay compatible with new releases.
• **Quick and Easy.**The process is designed to be simple and efficient, ensuring you get your iPhone back up and running quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to unlocking your iPhone SIM using Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock:

• Step 1: After downloading and installing the software, start Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Continue to the Toolbox area, then select Screen Unlock and iOS to launch the tool in a new window.

• Step 2: In the new window, hit the Remove SIM Locked button to start the process. You will then be sent to the Remove SIM Locks page, where you must click Start to initiate the process.

• Step 3: The platform will detect your device and present its details on the following screen. Click the Unlock Now button to continue the unlocking procedure.

• Step 4: Because this method necessitates jailbreaking your iOS device, you will be prompted to do so first. If you want to follow a guide, click on Jailbreak Guide. If you want to watch a video guide, select Watch Video.

Click here


• Step 5: The screen will invite you to perform several actions, starting with removing the SIM card from the iDevice. To access the Itel S23 device’s network settings, go to Settings, then WLAN. Find the Wi-Fi networks you’ve joined and select Forget This Network.
• Step 6: Unlink all connected networks from My Networks and turn off Wi-Fi. After that, re-insert your SIM card and press the Continue button. The following screen will offer a prompt box with the status of the unlocking process.

• Step 7: After a few moments, the window will display a completion notification, and you must click Done to complete the process.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully unlocked your iPhone SIM using Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock. Now, your device should be free from SIM-related issues, and you can enjoy seamless network connectivity. So, if you’re facing SIM woes, don’t fret; Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock has you covered.

Conclusion

Losing your smartphone is more common than you might think. Thankfully, SIM location trackers are here to save the day. These simple tools offer accuracy and peace of mind, ensuring that your lost device can be swiftly recovered. Remember, quick device recovery means safeguarding your cherished memories and personal data. So, explore the recommended trackers this article has covered, and choose the one that best suits your needs.

And if you ever need to unlock your SIM card , Dr.Fone - SIM Unlock is your best companion. Enjoy the enhanced security, broad compatibility, and user-friendliness that come with it.