Apple Introduces ‘Inactivity Reboot’ Security Feature to Protect iPhones from Theft and Data Breach
Apple iPhones running iOS 18.1 are now equipped with an enhanced security feature designed to safeguard personal data in case of device theft. Dubbed the “Inactivity Reboot,” this innovative addition is a significant upgrade to Apple’s ongoing commitment to protecting its users from the growing risks of data theft and unauthorized access. The feature automatically triggers a restart after a specified period of inactivity. If the device remains idle and no password is entered within a given timeframe, the phone will shut down entirely.
This automatic shutdown ensures that even if an iPhone is stolen, there’s a much lower chance that the thief can gain access to the device’s sensitive data. The iPhone essentially locks itself out, offering a higher level of security than previous models. Apple has not disclosed the exact timeframe or other technical details of how the Inactivity Reboot feature works, leaving some questions unanswered for tech enthusiasts and security experts. However, it’s clear that the feature is designed with privacy and data protection in mind, responding to increasing concerns around smartphone theft.
While Apple has not made a formal statement, this new feature appears to be a direct response to the growing number of smartphone thefts, particularly in countries where Apple products are popular and frequently targeted. Many stolen iPhones end up in secondary markets, where they are resold after security measures have been bypassed. For instance, it’s a common practice for stolen phones from UK to appear in places like Vietnam, Singapore, and other developing regions within just a few days of the theft. Once in these markets, phones are often unlocked or “jailbroken” by resellers who bypass the device’s security, allowing them to be resold at a significantly lower price.
However, this unauthorized access also exposes stolen devices to further risk, as sensitive information can be stolen, copied, and used for fraudulent purposes. Personal data, including financial information, private communications, and even location data, can be exploited by hackers or sold on the dark web. The Inactivity Reboot feature from Apple is an added layer of protection, aiming to minimize these risks and ensuring that users’ personal data remains secure even if their device is lost or stolen.
Amazon Confirms Data Breach Involving 2.8 Million Employee Records via MoveIT Vendor
In another major security incident, Amazon has disclosed that a data breach at one of its third-party vendors, MoveIT, has resulted in the exposure of personal data belonging to approximately 2.8 million Amazon employees. This breach, which affects data associated with Amazon Web Services (AWS), has sparked concerns about the safety of sensitive information held by external vendors. The data, which was reportedly stolen from MoveIT’s systems, was found to be for sale on the notorious dark web platform, BreachForums.
Adam Montgomery, an Amazon spokesperson, confirmed the breach and provided some details about the compromised information. Fortunately, the stolen data does not contain highly sensitive information such as social security numbers, dates of birth, or driver’s license numbers, which means the risk of severe identity theft or financial fraud may be somewhat limited. However, the breach still represents a significant threat to Amazon employees’ privacy and could potentially be used in more targeted forms of cybercrime.
In the world of cybercrime, even non-sensitive data can have substantial value. Hackers can use the stolen information to piece together detailed profiles of individuals, which can then be leveraged for phishing schemes, social engineering attacks, or even targeted fraud. When combined with other data points or personal information from other breaches, it becomes much easier for criminals to impersonate individuals or organizations, or to gain access to more secure systems.
Amazon has assured its employees and customers that the company is taking the breach very seriously. The tech giant has dispatched a team of forensic experts to investigate the extent of the breach and assess its impact. The company has also stated that it is working closely with MoveIT to better understand how the breach occurred and to implement measures that will prevent future incidents. As part of its commitment to transparency and user security, Amazon has vowed to keep affected parties informed and to take all necessary steps to protect the data of its employees and users.
Amazon, under the leadership of Jeff Bezos, has long placed a premium on the security of its services and the privacy of its users. Despite the breach, the company has emphasized that it remains deeply committed to preventing such incidents in the future, continuously improving its security protocols, and ensuring that customer and employee data is safeguarded at all times.
The post Apple iPhone inactivity reboot data security feature and Amazon data breach 2024 appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.
November 12, 2024 at 11:18AM
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