Is being logged in iCloud when your phone gets stolen really safer?

[macpokerstars]

I've been wondering this for a while.

If my phone is not iCloud locked, the first thing the thief would do is wipe out the phone (and all my data) to start using it.

But what if my phone is logged onto iCloud? The thief won't be able to use it, but at some point in time, the iOS version installed on my phone will become hackable and someone will be able to break into it to access my data.

Same thing if the iPhone becomes faulty and can't boot completely. Someone who fixes the hardware problem will be able to access my data in the future.

What do you think?

 

[BlueKhufu]

Remote wipe.

 

[eyoungren]

I've been wondering this for a while.

If my phone is not iCloud locked, the first thing the thief would do is wipe out the phone (and all my data) to start using it.

But what if my phone is logged onto iCloud? The thief won't be able to use it, but at some point in time, the iOS version installed on my phone will become hackable and someone will be able to break into it to access my data.

Same thing if the iPhone becomes faulty and can't boot completely. Someone who fixes the hardware problem will be able to access my data in the future.

What do you think?

I think that you think your data is THAT important. No offense.

Unless you are someone who has a reason to be specifically targeted any thief is going to encounter iCloud lock and move on to selling the phone for parts.

No one's going to wait around until some exploit becomes available to hack your specific phone. If the thief even realizes that's possible.

If you are someone that is being targeted for that type of thing then there's going to be resources available to you to make your phone even more secure.

Sorry, not meaning to sound rude.

 

[I7guy]

Security is multifaceted.
1. Enable 2fa
2. Enable appropriate restrictions on your iPhone
3. Strong password
4. Keep backups current

With the above safeguards your data on your phone will be safe from everyone except the government who may at some point in time may be able to get access.

 

[citivolus]

Remote wipe.

Does that then allow the phone to be set up as new by the thief?

 

[macpokerstars]

I think that you think your data is THAT important. No offense.

Unless you are someone who has a reason to be specifically targeted any thief is going to encounter iCloud lock and move on to selling the phone for parts.

No one's going to wait around until some exploit becomes available to hack your specific phone. If the thief even realizes that's possible.

If you are someone that is being targeted for that type of thing then there's going to be resources available to you to make your phone even more secure.

Sorry, not meaning to sound rude.

Hi there, thanks for your response, no offense taken.
I just think that my personal data is more important than I think to a thief, or more specifically an identity thief.
People always throw their garbage without thinking its content might be revealing to someone else.

 

[eyoungren]

Hi there, thanks for your response, no offense taken.
I just think that my personal data is more important than I think to a thief, or more specifically an identity thief.
People always throw their garbage without thinking its content might be revealing to someone else.

I agree. But in this case you are balancing the time necessary to wait for an exploit to your phone against your data.

An exploit COULD become available. But I'm not sure an identity thief is willing to wait 2 to 5 years just to crack your phone.

And if they are the kind of people that have access to stuff that could do it in a reasonable time frame for them - then you probably have more problems than you know.

 

[geoffm33]

I agree. But in this case you are balancing the time necessary to wait for an exploit to your phone against your data.

An exploit COULD become available. But I'm not sure an identity thief is willing to wait 2 to 5 years just to crack your phone.

And if they are the kind of people that have access to stuff that could do it in a reasonable time frame for them - then you probably have more problems than you know.

Exactly. The thief can get $XXX for a locked iPhone for parts now, or $x or $xx in 2 - 5 years for an identity that may no longer be reliable to the buyer.

 

[Billburns]

I thought you couldn't wipe the phone without the password or turning off find my iPhone/iCloud


?

 

[profets]

I thought you couldn't wipe the phone without the password or turning off find my iPhone/iCloud


?

Well you could get it done with iTunes by putting it into restore or DFU mode, but then they'll likely come up against Activation Lock upon first booting.

 

[Newtons Apple]

My data is way more important than the stupid phone.

 

[gsmornot]

I've been wondering this for a while.

If my phone is not iCloud locked, the first thing the thief would do is wipe out the phone (and all my data) to start using it.

But what if my phone is logged onto iCloud? The thief won't be able to use it, but at some point in time, the iOS version installed on my phone will become hackable and someone will be able to break into it to access my data.

Same thing if the iPhone becomes faulty and can't boot completely. Someone who fixes the hardware problem will be able to access my data in the future.

What do you think?

Your phone is not the issue, Equifax is the issue. Your data is already in places you have no control over so not using iCloud to locate your phone is just causing you grief.

 

[Applejuiced]

No, its not as simple as you think.
It will not just become hackable and then your info will be stolen.
You cannot run or install a jailbreak while the phone is locked or in the icloud lock screen anyway.
You'll be fine.
I like the idea if my phone gets lost or stolen then it becomes useless or only for parts instead of someone restoring it with itunes and using it or selling it for a big profit.

I've been wondering this for a while.

If my phone is not iCloud locked, the first thing the thief would do is wipe out the phone (and all my data) to start using it.

But what if my phone is logged onto iCloud? The thief won't be able to use it, but at some point in time, the iOS version installed on my phone will become hackable and someone will be able to break into it to access my data.

Same thing if the iPhone becomes faulty and can't boot completely. Someone who fixes the hardware problem will be able to access my data in the future.

What do you think?