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He stole more than 70 iPhones and was caught in a matter of hours: how Apple security mechanisms work

Julián Castillo's avatar

By Julian Castillo

10 Feb 2024, 19:58 PM EST

The recent robbery at the Apple store on Fourth Street in Oakland has highlighted the effectiveness of security measures built into devices of the company. According to authorities reports, more than 75 iPhones were stolen from the store, valued at thousands of dollars. However, what surprised many was the way the entire situation was captured by other people who were there.

Two men entered the establishment, carried out the robbery and quickly fled in a Dodge truck red before officers arrived on the scene. Despite their audacity, the technology inside the iPhones allowed police to track the devices to the outskirts of Berkeley, where, with the help of local authorities, three suspects were later arrested in Oakland. This case highlights the importance of the security measures that Apple integrates into its products.

Remote lock

One of the standout features of iPhones is their ability to be locked and tracked if lost or stolen.. This functionality, known as “Find My iPhone,” allows owners to locate their devices on a map and take remote action, such as blocking access to the device or even erasing all data stored on it. In this specific case, the collaboration between the police and Apple, using these anti-theft features, was essential to recover the devices and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In addition to the tracking functioniPhones also have additional security measures, such as activation lock, which prevents a device from being used by a third party even after being restored to factory settings. This makes reselling stolen devices significantly more difficultsince without the iCloud password associated with the device, it becomes unusable.

Multiple robberies

The recent case at the Fourth Street Apple store is not an isolated incident. The company’s stores have been the target of robberies on multiple occasions in the past, which has led to an increase in the implementation of security measures by both the company and local authorities. In this sense, the collaboration between Apple and law enforcement has been essential to address this problem and deter potential criminals.

It is important to highlight that, While Apple’s security measures are effective, no system is completely foolproof. Users also play a crucial role in protecting their devices by enabling security features and maintaining strong passwords. Additionally, it is essential to report any theft or loss of devices to the relevant authorities to increase the chances of recovery.

The recent robbery at the Apple store in California highlights the importance of security measures integrated into the company’s devices. The blocking and tracking capabilities of iPhones, combined with collaboration between Apple and law enforcement, have proven effective in recovering stolen devices and apprehending those responsible.

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