Touch ID enhances my security. It encouraged me to lock the screen sooner, rather than later, because it makes it much easier for me to re-enter the device.
When it comes to validating identity, fingerprints are more secure than passcodes and PINs. Someone can see/video me keying-in a passcode, whereas, short of a Mission: Impossible scenario, nobody but I has my fingerprint. I'd much rather use Touch ID (via Apple Pay) to validate my identity at an ATM machine or credit card terminal (or even open my iPhone in my girlfriend's presence) than key in a PIN number or passcode in a public place.
The people who have the greatest opportunity to peek at the contents of my iPhone are people I know, not strangers. They're not going to be faking my fingerprints, or holding a gun to my head to obtain the passcode. If they're threatening to break up with me unless I fork over my passcode, then I'm probably much better off single. Bottom line, if I leave my iPhone or computers unattended, I don't want them to get in, and Touch ID is more than enough to keep them out. I wish I had Touch ID on my Macs - typing passwords after every trip to the bathroom is a drag.
The fact is, iPhone has a layered defense system. In the case of simple loss or theft, I can also change my iCloud password, use Find My iPhone to remote erase the thing... If it was stolen by someone capable of creating a fake fingerprint... I could have it wiped before they could get in. My passcode/fingerprint is not my sole line of defense.
But if they held a gun to my head (or a knife to my fingers) and demanded my passcode or fingerprint (kidnapping, rather than simple theft)? I'd let 'em in. There's nothing in there worth sacrificing either my life or my touch-typing abilities. I'm not rich, famous, or privy to secret plans. I routinely delete my selfies. Yawn!
When it comes to validating identity, fingerprints are more secure than passcodes and PINs. Someone can see/video me keying-in a passcode, whereas, short of a Mission: Impossible scenario, nobody but I has my fingerprint. I'd much rather use Touch ID (via Apple Pay) to validate my identity at an ATM machine or credit card terminal (or even open my iPhone in my girlfriend's presence) than key in a PIN number or passcode in a public place.
The people who have the greatest opportunity to peek at the contents of my iPhone are people I know, not strangers. They're not going to be faking my fingerprints, or holding a gun to my head to obtain the passcode. If they're threatening to break up with me unless I fork over my passcode, then I'm probably much better off single. Bottom line, if I leave my iPhone or computers unattended, I don't want them to get in, and Touch ID is more than enough to keep them out. I wish I had Touch ID on my Macs - typing passwords after every trip to the bathroom is a drag.
The fact is, iPhone has a layered defense system. In the case of simple loss or theft, I can also change my iCloud password, use Find My iPhone to remote erase the thing... If it was stolen by someone capable of creating a fake fingerprint... I could have it wiped before they could get in. My passcode/fingerprint is not my sole line of defense.
But if they held a gun to my head (or a knife to my fingers) and demanded my passcode or fingerprint (kidnapping, rather than simple theft)? I'd let 'em in. There's nothing in there worth sacrificing either my life or my touch-typing abilities. I'm not rich, famous, or privy to secret plans. I routinely delete my selfies. Yawn!