security of iCloud account data when logging onto iCloud on old device

Situation:

I have an older iPhone (SE) that I have not used in a while but that has still my AppleID on it. I would like to do a factory reset on it but to be able to, it asks me to authenticate to iCLoud with my AppleID.

Im a security concious person and I am concerned about confidentiality and integrity of my iCloud data (and any credentials) - that can be potentially compromised when I authenticat to iCloud from this old device.


Question: is there any way to factory reset the device WITHOUT entering my current AppleID password on this old device I do not trust, as it has not been updated for a few years?


Also: is my concern valid that, my iCloud data can be compromised through this old device if i log on briefly to my iCloud account? As a compensating measure, I would need to change my password after using it on the old device, but I'm afraid then it is perhaps too late already if the device indeed was indeed compromised to to having missing security patches for some time....



iPhone SE

Posted on Feb 20, 2020 3:03 AM

Reply
2 replies

Feb 20, 2020 8:53 AM in response to Appleplztakemymoney

Logging in with your Apple ID momentarly, even on an old device, should not compromise your iCloud data. The data is protected by your Apple ID. Unless your phone has been hacked by someone, no one has access to what you do on the phone. If the phone has been off, how could someone hack it?


Do a backup and then do a factory reset. If you want more security, do everything using a computer.


Restore to Factory setting. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201252

Feb 20, 2020 8:38 AM in response to Appleplztakemymoney

I think there is reasonable way to reset the device you mention without entering your current AppleID password. But, I suppose you could create a second Apple ID for use with it. See How to create a new Apple ID https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204316


If you think your Apple ID has been (or could be) compromised https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204145


Also, see Security and your Apple Id https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201303

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security of iCloud account data when logging onto iCloud on old device

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