Editing 1934: Phone Security
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These may be options that would appear on the [[:Category:xkcd Phones|xkcd Phone]], but that is not mentioned specifically, and this comic does not appear to be directly linked. | These may be options that would appear on the [[:Category:xkcd Phones|xkcd Phone]], but that is not mentioned specifically, and this comic does not appear to be directly linked. | ||
β | The first two options: Set '''Passcode to Unlock''', and '''Erase phone after 10 failed unlock attempts''' are both real security measures found on many phones. | + | The first two options: Set '''Passcode to Unlock''', and '''Erase phone after 10 failed unlock attempts''' are both real security measures found on many phones. |
β | + | The additional options would rely on the fact that the phone could sense that it is stolen: | |
* '''Tracked''': This would allow the police to catch the perpetrator and return your phone. This function is available on most modern phones in general but not bound to a specific situation. | * '''Tracked''': This would allow the police to catch the perpetrator and return your phone. This function is available on most modern phones in general but not bound to a specific situation. | ||
β | * '''Erased''': This would prevent any sensitive data from being taken by a thief. | + | * '''Erased''': This would prevent any sensitive data from being taken by a thief. Typically erasing data from the phone requires a manual action. |
* '''Detonated''': This would likely harm the thief, possibly severely, depending on how the phone was detonated. The main problem with this approach (ignoring the possibility of manslaughter), is that if the phone is capable of detonation it's possible, by accident, glitch, or a malicious hacker, that the phone could detonate when not stolen, possibly hurting or killing the rightful owner. It is also possible for the detonation to harm innocent people who happen to be nearby when the feature is triggered. Phone batteries may produce an explosion if their temperature rises high enough, and contain circuitry both inside the battery and inside the logic of the phone to prevent this. | * '''Detonated''': This would likely harm the thief, possibly severely, depending on how the phone was detonated. The main problem with this approach (ignoring the possibility of manslaughter), is that if the phone is capable of detonation it's possible, by accident, glitch, or a malicious hacker, that the phone could detonate when not stolen, possibly hurting or killing the rightful owner. It is also possible for the detonation to harm innocent people who happen to be nearby when the feature is triggered. Phone batteries may produce an explosion if their temperature rises high enough, and contain circuitry both inside the battery and inside the logic of the phone to prevent this. | ||