Apparently, refurbished iPhones still contain certain information (emails, passwords, and worse), despite being restored. Apple doesn't format the devices, so someone with the right tools can access things you thought to be gone.




Here's what Engadget had to say:

It looks like you might have to think twice before flipping that old iPhone on eBay when the 3G version finally hits -- it appears that restoring the phone doesn't actually erase the contents of the flash, meaning that your data is available to anyone with the proper tools until it's overwritten. Making matters worse, it appears that Apple doesn't do a low-level format when refurbishing iPhones either -- an Oregon State Police detective was able to use forensic software to pull files, emails, and screenshots off an out-of-the-box refurbished iPhone. This actually shouldn't be surprising to anyone -- we've seen several utilities that access "deleted" portions of storage -- but since Apple doesn't provide users direct access to the iPhone's filesystem, it's basically impossible to clear your personal data off the device short of restoring and filling the disk with junk data. Hopefully iPhone 2.0's Exchange-based "remote wipe" feature is a bit more secure, eh?

[VIA TUAW]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/05/5-20-08-iphoneuser.jpg
[picture via engadget]

Nice find, and that is pretty disappointing. Hopefully this will be remedied with 2.0 as the quote mentioned.

ya. if i had an iphone and sold it... i wouldn't want my info in someone elses hands... and yes, nice find.

Very Sad. This is a good find, but I have a simple question!

Since others can do this, can't Apple do this to find out if you have Jailbroke your device?

Very Sad. This is a good find, but I have a simple question!

Since others can do this, can't Apple do this to find out if you have Jailbroke your device?


I don't think they can if you brick it once you give it to them. If you really want to go through all of the work of bricking it, then replacing it from apple, THEN another day give it to them for refurb... Also as it goes to apple too. I doubt they would check for EVERY customer. Too much time.

I don't think they can if you brick it once you give it to them. If you really want to go through all of the work of bricking it, then replacing it from apple, THEN another day give it to them for refurb... Also as it goes to apple too. I doubt they would check for EVERY customer. Too much time.

Psh, but it brings up some serious questions though. Something should be made to try to get rid of this problem.

Psh, but it brings up some serious questions though. Something should be made to try to get rid of this problem.

Apple doesn't format the devices. That is the problem.

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Ban Hammer is needed