Hidden iPhone File Tracks Users' Every Move.


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The security of Apple's iPhones and iPads is being called into question after it emerged the devices contain a hidden file that tracks the owner's locations.

The finding was reported by two British computer programmers at a technology conference in San Francisco.

The pair found Apple has been logging the whereabouts of 3G phone and iPad users since it updated its mobile operating system a year ago.

The location data is taken from mobile phone masts and Wi-Fi networks and recorded on the device along with the time and date.

However, one of the concerns is that when a person syncs their phone or iPad with a computer the information is transferred to the hard drive permanently.

Anyone with access to this computer, including a hacker, could then trace the user's movements.

And if the phone or iPad was lost or stolen a stranger would also be able to view the data with the right software.

Although other mobile phone companies collect information in similar ways, it is usually kept behind a firewall.

It then normally requires a court order to gain access to it - but this is not the case with this data.
Pete Warden and Alasdair Allan, the researchers behind the discovery, have now set up a webpage to inform the public about the file.

On the page it states: "By passively logging your location without your permission, Apple have made it possible for anyone from a jealous spouse to a private investigator to get a detailed picture of your movements."

Mr Warden, who worked for Apple for five years, has created a free downloadable programme that allows them to see the location data on a map.

It is not known why Apple is collecting the data or whether the function can be disabled.

Duncan Bell from the gadget website T3 told Sky News: "The least sinister interpretation I can put on it is they're collecting this data for app developers to know which parts of the country to concentrate on perhaps?

"I really can't think of another good reason why they'd need to be tracking you all the time.

"It's hard to see how that data could be used against you in that many situations. But it still seems wrong that it's being done without giving you the ability to opt out of it.

"OK, yeah it is in the terms and conditions, but it's buried somewhere in among 15,200 other words."

Apple failed to return calls made by Sky News Online.

The criticism of the technology giant's operations comes after the company revealed on Wednesday that it had nearly doubled its second quarter profits.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Technology/Apple-Security-Called-Into-Question-After-Tracking-File-Found-In-iPhones-And-iPads/Article/201104315976574?lpos=Technology_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15976574_Apple_Security_Called_Into_Question_After_Tracking_File_Found_In_iPhones_And_iPads
 
to be fair it won't tell them much. User A went to the mirror, down to the apple shop, back to the mirror and then to bed to cuddle his iphone/cry himself to sleep
 
to be fair it won't tell them much. User A went to the mirror, down to the apple shop, back to the mirror and then to bed to cuddle his iphone/cry himself to sleep

You missed out saying " app" and "on my iPhone" every few minutes in pubs and on public transport that never fails to impress.
I love iPhone users me, they are so enlightened and sexy.
 
to be fair it won't tell them much. User A went to the mirror, down to the apple shop, back to the mirror and then to bed to cuddle his iphone/cry himself to sleep

You missed out saying " app" and "on my iPhone" every few minutes in pubs and on public transport that never fails to impress.
I love iPhone users me, they are so enlightened and sexy.
 
The security of Apple's iPhones and iPads is being called into question after it emerged the devices contain a hidden file that tracks the owner's locations.

The finding was reported by two British computer programmers at a technology conference in San Francisco.

The pair found Apple has been logging the whereabouts of 3G phone and iPad users since it updated its mobile operating system a year ago.

The location data is taken from mobile phone masts and Wi-Fi networks and recorded on the device along with the time and date.

However, one of the concerns is that when a person syncs their phone or iPad with a computer the information is transferred to the hard drive permanently.

Anyone with access to this computer, including a hacker, could then trace the user's movements.

And if the phone or iPad was lost or stolen a stranger would also be able to view the data with the right software.

Although other mobile phone companies collect information in similar ways, it is usually kept behind a firewall.

It then normally requires a court order to gain access to it - but this is not the case with this data.
Pete Warden and Alasdair Allan, the researchers behind the discovery, have now set up a webpage to inform the public about the file.

On the page it states: "By passively logging your location without your permission, Apple have made it possible for anyone from a jealous spouse to a private investigator to get a detailed picture of your movements."

Mr Warden, who worked for Apple for five years, has created a free downloadable programme that allows them to see the location data on a map.

It is not known why Apple is collecting the data or whether the function can be disabled.

Duncan Bell from the gadget website T3 told Sky News: "The least sinister interpretation I can put on it is they're collecting this data for app developers to know which parts of the country to concentrate on perhaps?

"I really can't think of another good reason why they'd need to be tracking you all the time.

"It's hard to see how that data could be used against you in that many situations. But it still seems wrong that it's being done without giving you the ability to opt out of it.

"OK, yeah it is in the terms and conditions, but it's buried somewhere in among 15,200 other words."

Apple failed to return calls made by Sky News Online.

The criticism of the technology giant's operations comes after the company revealed on Wednesday that it had nearly doubled its second quarter profits.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Technology/Apple-Security-Called-Into-Question-After-Tracking-File-Found-In-iPhones-And-iPads/Article/201104315976574?lpos=Technology_Carousel_Region_4&lid=ARTICLE_15976574_Apple_Security_Called_Into_Question_After_Tracking_File_Found_In_iPhones_And_iPads

Thor. (just practicing)
 
Can you access that file at all? I'd actually like to see where I've been for the over the last few months.
 
apparently there's an update out through cydia to delete this happening
doesn't bother me at all though as i cant see what all the fuss is about !
 
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