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Apple Quietly Introduced iPhone Reboot Code Which is Locking Out Cops (www.404media.co)

submitted 4 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

264 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Apple quietly introduced code into iOS 18.1 which reboots the device if it has not been unlocked for a period of time, reverting it to a state which improves the security of iPhones overall and is making it harder for police to break into the devices, according to multiple iPhone security experts.

On Thursday, 404 Media reported that law enforcement officials were freaking out that iPhones which had been stored for examination were mysteriously rebooting themselves. At the time the cause was unclear, with the officials only able to speculate why they were being locked out of the devices. Now a day later, the potential reason why is coming into view.

“Apple indeed added a feature called ‘inactivity reboot’ in iOS 18.1.,” Dr.-Ing. Jiska Classen, a research group leader at the Hasso Plattner Institute, tweeted after 404 Media published on Thursday along with screenshots that they presented as the relevant pieces of code.

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[–] [email protected] 26 points 4 days ago (3 children)

There is a scene in Mr Robot where Darlene is able to do a full wipe on her phone without even looking at the screen.

I wish I was that good.

I want a way that I can trigger this from the main lock screen without unlocking the phone.

Like a specific pin you have to enter twice to trigger the full wipe.

[–] [email protected] 32 points 4 days ago (1 children)

GrapheneOS has this. I believe it's called a Duress PIN.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I've set mine up so that entering my PIN backwards will nuke it. At which point I can ask for my phone back.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 4 days ago

At which point you will be taken to a dark room downstairs and 3 cops will testify they tried very hard to stop you from violently and repetitively throwing your head at their baton in a menacing manner which made them fear for their life.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

speaking of that.

this can wipe your phone on a trigger, or lock it with a different code, or send a broadcast message that other apps can act on: Wasted (Lock a device and wipe its data on emergency) https://f-droid.org/packages/me.lucky.wasted/

this reads the screen to see if you have used a special unlock code: Duress (Duress password trigger) https://f-droid.org/packages/me.lucky.duress/

read the app description of both, there's important information

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

It also let's you install a fake icon for some normal looking app like Threema. When you tap the app it factory resets the phone.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (2 children)

yeah they are pretty good apps! basically a must-have for protests, if you bring a smartphone. maybe for traveling too, in case it's stolen

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago

Do not under any circumstances bring your cell phone, dumb or not, to a protest.

Memorize important numbers, writing them in your arm if necessary.

Answer all questions with "I assert my fifth amendment right and will not answer any further questions without my attorney."

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I can see these apps being good for traveling, in case of a stolen phone, but for protests I've almost always heard that you should bring a burner phone.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago

if the burner phone is a cheap smartphone, it could still be helpful

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

Best you can do is auto wipe after 10 failed pins.