The latest news about iPhone security got you skerred? Want to beef up your iPhone security, give it a little extra oomph? Well a new feature in the 2.1 firmware (iPhone & iPod Touch) is here to help (a little).
Under Settings, General, Passcode, a new option is now available at the bottom of the screen: Erase Data. By toggling this setting to ‘on’, the iPhone will automatically have its data completely wiped after 10 failed passcode attempts (presumably “consecutive” attempts).
Just make sure to frequently backup your info if you go this route, as a nosy little sister or pranking co-worker could accidentally trigger the wipe.
this option is ridiculous.
if you were to lose your iPhone with this option enabled wouldn’t it be easy for a thief to erase your data, pop your SIM and sell your beloved iPhone?
i am NOT installing this update to my iPhone and probably going to try to sell mine ASAP.
@ajk: The point is the iPhone has now joined the corporate market, and therefore may contain sensitive information. It is also useful for a celebrity. Say you were Ms. Lohan and you left your phone at a club one night while boozin’ it up. Would you like whoever found your phone to have your entire contact list? Another example… You work for a company and you have privileged information in your email. Would you like whoever finds your lost phone to be able to open such emails? I think the feature is welcome, and innovative. It’s not for kids.
I am assuming that this is after 10 CONSECUTIVE failed attempts? Can anyone assure me this is actually the case as ‘fat finger syndrome’ normally means I have a good couple of attempts most times! Thanks!