iPhone, iPad track users' personal data

akabee

Researchers have discovered a file on the Apple iPhone and iPad that reportedly saves every detail of its owner's movements.

The data file in the mobile 3G devices is then copied to the user's computer during synchronisation, reports The Guardian.

"Apple has made it possible for almost anybody - a jealous spouse, a private detective - with access to your phone or computer to get detailed information about where you've been," said security researcher Pete Warden.

The file details the latitude and longitude of the phone's recorded co-ordinates. It also records a timestamp, revealing where the phone was at different times of the day.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a315697/iphone-ipad-track-users-personal-data.html
:eek:

Hammyman

And? Mobile phone companies have had the ability to do this for decades.

jizadine

Cash machine, pub, debt consolidation firm :rotfl:

kwikbreaks

Never get lost again!!

Wake up in a strange bed or in the gutter somewhere?
Just email steve_jobs@apple.com and he'll let you know where you are, how you got there, and the way home.

Exhortation

If you aren't doing anything wrong then there's nothing to worry about. Yes, I know, "it's the principle of the matter".

Personally, I don't have a jealous spouse and if a private detective is following me then he's obviously not very good because he's got the wrong person.

kwikbreaks

Exhortation wrote: »

If you aren't doing anything wrong then there's nothing to worry about.

So you don't care if the local villains know you're in the boozer so your place is ripe for a turfing over then?

TBH I don't really care either but that's mostly because I don't have a Jesus phone

watcherman

kwikbreaks wrote: »

So you don't care if the local villains know you're in the boozer so your place is ripe for a turfing over then?

Have you seen how the data is presented, the local villain, at best, will know you're in England, if they can work out where to burgle from that, then best of luck to them :beer:

gjchester

kwikbreaks wrote: »

So you don't care if the local villains know you're in the boozer so your place is ripe for a turfing over then?

TBH I don't really care either but that's mostly because I don't have a Jesus phone

I'd echo the SO WHAT sentiment.

The file lives on the phone it shows where you have been not where you are. Encrypt your phone backup and the file can't be accessed other than having the phone and if you have the phone you know where it is.

Easiest way to locate you on an idevice would be to hack the mobile me account that tells you in real time where the device is. Not really news though is it, but then to be fair neither is this story.

Every cell tower records your position, that can be traced, albeit it harder to do. Cellphone connected GPS trackers are cheap (£30 on ebay) and easily hidden. Your tracked on CCTV many many times every day using facial or pattern matching. Local "villians" would case the joing or phone your home phone, other than using a iPhone to make the call thats not a story either.