Photo by William Iven / Pixabay / 

In the next software update, iPhones will shut down the security gap that allows a third party to break in and collect data even without a password.

In 2016, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation was able to gain access of the data from an alleged serial killer’s iPhone in San Bernardino. This was after Apple refused to give the authorities backdoor access to the iPhone technology. The agency went on to employ a technical expert and was able to gather evidence.

At present, iPhones are locked only for a few minutes after wrong password entries. Then users can reenter the correct password and use the phone again. On the latest update, the lightning port, which doubles as charging and data transfer port, will be locked one hour after several failed attempts at unlocking the phone. It can still be used to charge the phones but disables data transfer.

“We’re constantly strengthening the security protections in every Apple product to help customers defend against hackers, identity thieves, and intrusions into their personal data,” Apple said in a statement. “We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we don’t design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs.”

Apple has long been advocating for users’ right to privacy. The company calls it a “fundamental right” of people to keep their data safe and secure.