Lost or Stolen iPhone/How do I remote delete Contacts

Question

Level 1

29 points

Lost or Stolen iPhone/How do I remote delete Contacts

I have seen some apps like pageonce that will allow you to enter all your account data into their app and then if it's lost or stolen ... self destruct. I don't see in their information that they will also self destruct the email/contacts/calendars/photos that are constantly syncing with Mobile Me. I have sensitive in formation in my contacts most of all and would like to be able to shut my phone off completely, not just an app but all the data to be blocked. Is such a think possible?

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Aug 23, 2008 1:55 PM

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Answer 1

hexonxonx

Level 4

2,477 points

Aug 23, 2008 2:02 PM in response to Mark Biech

The data on the iPhone can only be remote deleted if you are a user of Exchange. MobileMe doesn't have this feature.

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Answer 2

tokatta

Level 3

869 points

Aug 23, 2008 2:09 PM in response to Mark Biech

If you passcode protect your iPhone, then in order for someone to get into it, they have to erase it. This should be in addition to any type of remote wipe.

The problem with remote wipe, is that if I find your phone before you issue the wipe command, I can put it in airplane mode (this turns off all the radios) and then browse your data as long as I want.

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Answer 3

tokatta

Level 3

869 points

Aug 23, 2008 2:12 PM in response to Mark Biech

Oh, and for Exchange to remote wipe the phone, it has to be Exchange 2007 - 2003 SP2 doesn't have this feature.

If you add a passcode you can set the time frame before it locks, although the quicker the better if you are truly worried about your phone's data.

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Answer 4

Mark Biech Author

Level 1

29 points

Aug 23, 2008 11:45 PM in response to tokatta

Thanks everyone .... I think my solution is that I will use the passcode function on the iPhone. It's an extra step when wanting to make a call, but it's worth the security. The only thing is .... how many times can a person try a code before they are locked out? I know that the sim card (I am in Romania) allows 3 tries and then blocks the SIM, but the actual phone, is it limitless?

Mark

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Answer 5

hexonxonx

Level 4

2,477 points

Aug 23, 2008 11:46 PM in response to Mark Biech

I know three attempts to enter an incorrect password locks you out, but I don't know for how long. Once that time passes, they can try again.

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Answer 6

Aug 24, 2008 5:10 AM in response to Mark Biech

How many times can a person try a code before they are locked out? I know that the SIM card (I am in Romania) allows 3 tries and then blocks the SIM, but the actual phone, is it limitless?

From page 115 in the User Guide:
"If you enter the PIN incorrectly three times, you may need to contact your carrier for a Personal Unlocking Key (PUK) to enable your SIM card again."

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