Electronic devices and corresponding methods for establishing geofencing for enhanced security modes of operation

An electronic device, comprising:

• one or more sensors;
• a location detector;
• a geofence manager;
• an audio output device;
• and
• one or more processors operable with the one or more sensors, the location detector, and the geofence manager;
• the one or more processors causing the geofence manager to establish a geofence about a location of the electronic device detected by the location detector when the one or more sensors detect a cessation of physical contact between an authorized user of the electronic device and the electronic device;
• and
• the one or more processors causing the electronic device to transition from a normal mode of operation to an enhanced security mode of operation when one of the following occurs:
• the one or more sensors detect the electronic device exiting the geofence;
• or
• the electronic device enters a locked mode of operation;
• or
• the one or more sensors detect the cessation of the physical contact between the authorized user of the electronic device and the electronic device;
• wherein the one or more processors cause the audio output device to emit an audible alarm when the electronic device is operating in the enhanced security mode of operation;
• and wherein the electronic device operates in the normal mode of operation while each of the following occurs:
• the electronic device remains within the geofence;
• and the electronic device remains in an unlocked mode of operation;
• and the electronic device remains in physical contact with the authorized user.

A method in an electronic device, the method comprising:

• authenticating, with one or more sensors, an authorized user of the electronic device and the electronic device;
• determining, with a location detector, a location of the electronic device when authentication of the authorized user occurs;
• establishing, with a geofence manager, a geofence about the location in response to authentication of the authorized user in response to the authenticating, with the one or more sensors, the authorized user of the electronic device;
• operating, by one or more processors operable with the geofence manager, the electronic device in a normal mode of operation while each of the following occurs:
• the electronic device remains within the geofence;
• and
• the electronic device remains in an unlocked mode of operation;
• and
• the electronic device remains in physical contact with the authorized user;
• and
• requiring reauthentication of the authorized user when any one or more of the following occur:
• the electronic device exits the geofence;
• or
• the electronic device enters a locked mode of operation;
• or
• the physical contact of the electronic device with the authorized user ceases.