What feature allows IT to lock a device in case of loss or theft?

Activation Lock is a crucial feature designed to protect a device in the event of loss or theft. When enabled, Activation Lock prevents anyone from turning off Find My iPhone, signing out of iCloud, or erasing the device without the owner's Apple ID and password. This means that if a device is stolen or lost, the rightful owner can secure it by enabling Find My iPhone, which locks the device and displays a message on the screen.

This function serves as a powerful deterrent against theft, as a device locked with Activation Lock cannot be easily reset or reused by unauthorized individuals. It ties the device to the owner's Apple ID, ensuring that even if someone attempts to erase the device, they will still be required to enter the owner’s credentials to reactivate it.

Other options do not provide the same level of protection. For instance, a remote wipe can erase all data from the device but does not prevent someone from using or tampering with the device before the wipe is executed. Screen Lock and Device Lock generally refer to simpler security measures that protect access to the device but do not offer the comprehensive protection that Activation Lock provides in terms of ownership verification.