iPhone 2.1: Automatic Secure Wipe after Passcode Failures

[MacRumors]

One feature of the new 2.1 firmware we haven't mentioned is the option to have the iPhone automatically securely wipe your iPhone or iPod Touch after 10 failed passcode attempts.

A nice feature for those who are worried about losing their iPhone, but perhaps better to not enable it if you have young children.

Apple has said they will be releasing the 2.1 firmware on Friday.

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[xix]

Wow, very neat. And it can't be stopped since the iPod has no user-serviceable battery.

[Eraserhead]

Except what ghappens if it runs out of power mid-wipe?

[ramuman]

I would rather have remote wipe via Mobile Me or a similar feature. This doesn't mean much because if you lose the phone, I doubt someone will try 10 times to get in.

[iSimx]

it's a good idea, but I think even better would be the remote wipe. Not necessarily using mobile me but if your iphone gets stolen it's nice to be assured that you can remotely wipe the data. Oh well...

[skillz1318]

remote wipe is available in corporate environments with iphone...i assume they could implement this to consumers with mobileme somehow

[Griff110]

would be good if it could be totally bricked and could only be reset by taking into an Apple store with proof of id

[vertgo]

Originally Posted by Griff110

would be good if it could be totally bricked and could only be reset by taking into an Apple store with proof of id

Great idea. Better yet, if it shows a buggy home screen with limited use of the apps to access stuff that doesn't reveal any personal data, and then immediately lets you use your mobile me account to access a map application on your computer to find it via gps. Maybe take a couple of pics as well.

I mean, it would be nice to choose yourself if you want to enable yourself as big brother.

[LondonGooner]

I think the key thing is it can protect your sensitive data (I have tons of account information on my phone, gmail, msn, AIM, etc etc, not to mention family/friend details & family pictures). Its comforting that this is now protected, im far less bothered about bricking the phone; the most important thing is keeping my private and personal stuff out of the hands off the thief

[dacreativeguy]

Originally Posted by Griff110

would be good if it could be totally bricked and could only be reset by taking into an Apple store with proof of id

That would be cool. The phone would be locked on a screen that displays info from your "me" address book card, with your photo displayed. At that point the thief would either have to give the thing back or throw it away. It'd be useless otherwise.

[ilfn143]

Originally Posted by Griff110

would be good if it could be totally bricked and could only be reset by taking into an Apple store with proof of id

email you GPS location

[bigmanathome24]

would prefer to have remote wipe as friends sometimes keep on trying to type in passcodes and keep getting them wrong, don't want my phone wiped. would prefer to have mobileme or another type of remote wipe. o well

also, to who ever made the topic, you might want to re-red the first word

number 1 (one) is typed: One

[Ntombi]

Well, I like this. It's not perfect, but it's certainly better than nothing. And this way, people who don't use MobileMe can take advantage of the feature.

[Knolly]

Honestly I think the ultimate would be if you could use MobileMe and it would:

1. Remote wipe.
2. Disable the SIM card so they can't pull it out and put it in another phone.
3. Make a message that you type in on MobileMe display on its screen (IE: You found my phone, please call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX, reward offered).
4. Maybe perhaps Google map the GPS location to you.

Mainly the first three would be the most important and the most feasible to me...

[dlastmango]

well its 8:08pm here in FL and we have yet to get the 2.1 update... 3 hrs and 53 mins...

[EthanNixon]

Update doesn't come out until Friday...

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by dlastmango

well its 8:08pm here in FL and we have yet to get the 2.1 update... 3 hrs and 53 mins...

It's coming out tomorrow.


If your iPhone was stolen, you wouldn't want the thief knowing where you live. So bad idea giving them GPS directions to your home.

[Zoboomafoo]

Originally Posted by vertgo

Great idea. Better yet, if it shows a buggy home screen with limited use of the apps to access stuff that doesn't reveal any personal data, and then immediately lets you use your mobile me account to access a map application on your computer to find it via gps. Maybe take a couple of pics as well.

I mean, it would be nice to choose yourself if you want to enable yourself as big brother.

I think you just described "little brother." And I like it.

[dizastor]

It would keep you on your toes if it erased after only one failure.

Imagine every iPhone unlock is equivalent to a very special episode of 24.

[bigandy]

Originally Posted by MacRumors

A nice feature for those who are worried about losing their iPhone, but perhaps better to not enable it if you have young children.....

....or tipsy mates in the pub.

[darkshadow1337]

Wont this let the theift use your iPod/iPhone after it gets erased? Because if it erases your iPod or iPhone, it wont require a passcode anymore and the theift can just plug it into iTunes and set up as new, even though ur data is erased.

[ptukhar]

Originally Posted by darkshadow1337

Wont this let the theift use your iPod/iPhone after it gets erased? Because if it erases your iPod or iPhone, it wont require a passcode anymore and the theift can just plug it into iTunes and set up as new, even though ur data is erased.

lol I was thinking the same thing

[Diseal3]

Originally Posted by darkshadow1337

Wont this let the theift use your iPod/iPhone after it gets erased? Because if it erases your iPod or iPhone, it wont require a passcode anymore and the theift can just plug it into iTunes and set up as new, even though ur data is erased.

Pretty much yea. Great old innovation. I gotta test that with my exchange server to see if it require password after wipe. Can't do it now though, project tommorw.

[Fidgetyrat]

This isn't meant as a way to recover your lost ipod. Its a way to prevent identity theft. I'd so much rather some guy get a free ipod then my personal information leak into the public.

[Hawkeye411]

Originally Posted by Griff110

would be good if it could be totally bricked and could only be reset by taking into an Apple store with proof of id

Yea that would be GREAT!! Or it could be restored only on your computer (or by a genious).