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| Simple Passcode in iPhone 4S keeps your phone from unauthorized access with a 4-digit code that's easy to type and remember. |
If you enable Passcode in iPhone 4S (Settings > General > Passcode Lock), you'll also be given the option to enable or disable Simple Passcode. By default, Simple Passcode is toggled on. With this, you will be required to come up with a 4-digit code that can wake or unlock your iPhone from sleep mode, and allow you to start using it. This unfortunately also means that only 4 digits keep your personal data from getting accessed if events like your phone got stolen, or someone wants to mess around with your private stuffs ever happen. If you disable Simple Passcode, then you can choose a passcode that's not restricted by number of digits, or character choices - you can use any key or symbol available in the virtual keyboard. But the question is, "does enabling Simple Passcode help increase iPhone 4S security?" An even better question is, "do passcodes even really work to begin with?"
The answer to both questions is Yes. A simple passcode beats no passcode. And a NOT so simple passcode offers better security. Even with mobile phones - specially with mobile phones - your intention always has to be to protect your own privacy and security. And the best way to do that is to utilize the security settings available in your iPhone 4S. Of course, there is going to be a little bit of a trade off. When Simple Passcode is disabled, it will generally take longer to unlock a phone - you'll be trying to input a possibly longer passcode of different key combinations, as opposed to a simple 4-digit numeric code. And this can be an inconvenience during emergencies; more so if you're phone is set to auto-lock every minute. It is also easier to forget a "complicated" passcode than a simple 4-digit one. A simple 4-digit numeric passcode on the other hand is way easier to crack.
So, should Simple Passcode be toggled on or off? Well, that's ultimately your choice to make. If you opt for Simple Passcode ON, make sure you don't go randomly sharing your 4-digits to anybody. If you opt for Simple Passcode OFF, then make sure your passcode is something you can type fast and remember easily. But whatever your choice may be, it's a good habit to also change passcodes from time to time. It ensures that if someone does figure out your passcode - whether you authorized it, or it just happened by accident - they won't know it for long. Also, don't let people you can't trust touch your iPhone. Privacy and security are things you need to take seriously. A lot of bad things can happen when your phone falls in the wrong hands.