- Using General Settings
- Setting a Passcode
- Choosing Restrictions
- Configuring Wi-Fi
- Setting Up VPN
- Setting Up Email
- Using Exchange ActiveSync
- Enabling LDAP
- Setting the Date with CalDAV
- Getting in Touch with CardDAV
- Keeping up with Subscribed Calendars
- Using Web Clips
- Setting Credentials
- About SCEP
- Using Mobile Device Management
- Managing Advanced Settings
- Wrapping Up
Setting a Passcode
Next are the Passcode settings (Figure 4.5). These settings are simple enough, but you have a lot more granularity than you can access using only the device or iTunes.
Figure 4.5. Passcode settings in iPCU
For example, if you don’t want people to choose a passcode like “7777”, simply deselect “Allow simple value.” If you want to force the use of letters and numbers in a passcode, select “Require alphanumeric value.” You can set the ”Minimum passcode length” from 1 to 16 characters, set the “Minimum number of complex characters” (such as &, $, or !) from 1 to 16, and choose “Maximum passcode age” up to 730 days. You can also restrict the number of unique passcodes that must be used before a passcode can be repeated, along with a few other passcode settings.
Really, none of the settings available differ much from password settings of any standard IT setup, save one: “Maximum number of failed attempts.” This setting can be dangerous, because it lets you limit the number of times an incorrect passcode can be entered before the device erases itself (up to a maximum of 16 tries.) Yes, this restriction can be useful if your iOS devices carry critical confidential data; but, if this value is set too low, you can create a large user support headache for yourself.
This setting falls into a category I like to call “If you have to ask, the answer is No!” so, if you are currently asking yourself, “Should I use this?”, then don’t use it. If you actually need to use this setting, you’ll know and you won’t have to ask. Any setting that can cause a device to erase itself should be implemented with the greatest care and caution.