Re:iPhone remains findable after power off
by exabrial on Wednesday September 29, 2021 @09:21AM
(#28693201)
No. A device thats "off" should be "off" 100% of the time. When the device wakes it realizes it's been stolen, only then should it reach for home. This behavior can/will only be exploited by hostile nations and other bad actors.
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Re:iPhone remains findable after power off
by nixgeek on Wednesday September 29, 2021 @09:32AM
(#28693346)
You’re both correct, but Apple is optimizing for the majority with their ‘Find My’ network, where the majority don’t have a threat model which includes exploitation of a target by a nation state actor.
It’s a toggle in Settings to turn off this functionality for those who want the surface area reduction, or an RF shielded bag if you don’t trust the toggle ;)
Re:iPhone remains findable after power off
by madeofpalk on Wednesday September 29, 2021 @09:42AM
(#28693511)
I guess that's why it's an option, with (IMHO) a reasonable default of being enabled.
It's a useless feature against theft if it can just be turned off the thief.
Re:iPhone remains findable after power off
by avianlyric on Wednesday September 29, 2021 @06:26PM
(#28700796)
Most devices never “wake up” after being stolen. Apple’s activation lock means that most stolen iPhone are only good for parts.
If your threat model includes nation state actors, then you should probably be putting electronics in faraday bags if you don’t want to be tracked. For everyone else, the design of the Find My network provides significant protection against misuse.