Titled as "Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device", a recently-published Apple patent describes measures for identification of particular activities that indicate suspicious behavior, allowing the company to take steps and restrict functions, or downright wipe the device clean.The
application was filed in February, but only got published last week. It specifically describes the identification of 'hacking, jailbreaking, unlocking, or removal of a SIM card'.
Should these activities be identified, Apple may take measures to counter the user, regardless of whether he / she is the rightful owner of that device.
"…the particular activity comprises one or more of hacking the electronic device, jailbreaking the electronic device, unlocking the electronic device, removing a SIM card from the electronic device, and moving at least a predetermined distance away from a synced device," one of the clauses reads.
With Apple implementing the security-centered feature, “Access to sensitive information such as credit card information, social security numbers, banking information, home addresses, or any other delicate information can be prohibited,” the application reads.
“In some embodiments, the sensitive information can be erased from the electronic device. For example, the sensitive information can be erased directly after an unauthorized user is detected,” Apple reveals.
According to the Mac maker, “a sudden increase in memory usage of the electronic device can indicate that a hacking program is being run and that an unauthorized user may be using the electronic device.”
Although the Electronic Frontier Foundation has deemed jailbreaking as
legal in the US, Apple continues to advise against it
In fact, the company downright prohibits it, and denies service to whomever may be experiencing problems with their iOS device, should it find evidence of a jailbreak.
“'Jailbreaking' of an electronic device can generally refer to tampering with the device to allow a user to gain access to digital resources that are normally hidden and protected from users,” Apple explains in the patent filing.
Unlocking falls pretty much in the same category, according to the company headquartered at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California.
“'Unlocking' of a cellular phone can generally refer to removing a restriction that 'locks' a cellular phone so it may only be used in specific countries or with specific network providers.”
“Thus, in some embodiments, an unauthorized user can be detected if it is determined that the electronic device is being jailbroken or unlocked,” Apple notes.
At first glance, this appears to be nothing more than an effort to protect Apple customers. However, many employ hacks to jailbreak / unlock their devices.
In fact, many buy their iPhones
knowing they’ll jailbreak / unlock them and get more functionality.
Should the counter measures described by Apple go into effect one day, not only would customers feel insecure, they may actually take their business to a different smartphone vendor.
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