News
Refurbished iPhones pose security threat
Ben Parfitt May 21 2008, 1:41pm
Old user data found on Apple-processed machines leads to data protections fears
Reports are claiming that the ‘restore’ feature on iPhone that is supposed to wipe personal data and reset the phone to its original settings doesn’t actually purge the system of personal details after all.
Engadget claims that it is even being reported that refurbished machines direct from Apple still contain old data that hasn’t been overwritten.
An Oregon State Police official claims to have been able to use forensic software to recover files, emails and screenshots from a refurbished iPhone straight out of the box. The problem lies in a user’s inability to access the iPhone’s file system directly.
The only thing that can seemingly ensure personal data is erased is using the ‘restore’ function and then filling the device with new data, overwriting the inactive but still accessible older files.
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