Apple has implemented a new security mechanism in iOS 18 to protect unauthorized access to your iPhone using specialized software. This is how it works
According to an article published by 404 Media and reproduced by TechCrunch, Apple has implemented a new security feature that causes the iPhone to restart if it is not unlocked for a period of 72 hours.. This is a new mechanism to protect user data from possible data extraction using specialized software. Officers and forensic subject matter experts noticed this eventiPhones that restart on their own without knowing why. It was only a matter of time to realize that Apple had made changes.
iOS 18 implemented an additional security feature to protect iPhones that are left on and locked
Jiska lessonsresearcher at the Hasso Plattner Institute, was one of the first security experts to detected this behavior on Apple iPhones. He posted a video on X showing the new feature of iOS 18. After 72 hours, the iPhone turns off then you can see very long code execution. It then recovers the image of the apple when turned on and begins to behave normally.
See the latest iOS idle reboot in action!
iOS 18 comes with improved anti-theft measures. Three days without unlocking, the iPhone will restart, preventing thieves from accessing your data. (1/4) pic.tw itter.com/H24Tfo1cSr
– Jiska (@naehrdine) November 13, 2024
Another company that is dedicated to offering digital forensic services, Magnet Forensics confirmed what the researcher published on video. This “idle reset” makes the iPhone an “almost” more secure device by locking the user’s encryption keys inside the iPhone’s enclave chip.
This ensures that over timeit doesn’t matter if a thief has a turned on iPhone (without iCloud lock), they will not be able to unlock it with tools considered “cheap” and outdated.” Based on what the authorities can do with specialized software, restarting the iPhone may make the process more difficult but will not prevent it from freezing completely.
The moment when the user unlocks their iPhone is vital in terms of security
TechCrunch reports that iPhones have two security states that function as protection mechanisms. They can complicate the unlocking process if a mechanism is used to force the user’s password or cause security vulnerabilities in the iPhone. The states in question are before the first unlocking and after the first unlocking.
In the first case, the iPhone data “is completely encrypted”accessing it is almost impossible unless the user’s password can be known. In the second case, some data is found without encryption and it is then that forensic tools and specialized software can act effectively.
iPhone menu when powering off
This is why Apple implemented Security Reset in iOS 18 to prevent anyone from trying to access iPhone data after 3 days. News like this reminds us of the time Apple was asked to unlock an iPhone belonging to the San Bernardino shooter. The FBI had to turn to an Australian company to gain access to the iPhone. In another case of attack, Apple said it was in favor of contributing to law enforcement while it was in its hands.
404 Media also said at the time that no cybersecurity company could unlock an iPhone with iOS 17.4. Will it be even worse with iOS 18?
You can follow iPadized on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter (X) or check out our Telegram channel to stay up to date with the latest tech news.
