Apple seeks patent for 'proactive' iPhone security

Apple Inc. has filed a patent for a more proactive "Find My iPhone" feature, whose original version came out nearly two years ago, according to a site monitoring the Cupertino-based firm's patents. The next-generation security features allow select files to be protected, and scramble instead of wipe information to make retrieval easier, industry blog Patently Apple said. "Under the increased security level, files or other content stored on the mobile device could be selectively protected. In some implementations, the mobile device could be transitioned into a surveillance mode where the mobile device records or captures information associated with one or more of user actions, ambient sound, images, a trajectory of the device, and transmits the recorded or captured information to the network resource," the site said. With such a system, the user can expect to have "granulated" protection of data stored on the mobile device. Also, the user can selectively wipe or scramble the data when the mobile device is lost or stolen. "When the data are scrambled rather than wiped, if the user subsequently recovers the mobile device, the data can be unscrambled. The user will not face a complete loss of data," Patently Apple said. The new feature will also block long-distance calls and corporate security breaches, as access to function and programs stored on a lost or stolen mobile device could be selectively limited before the device is recovered. Functions that could incur costs to the user such as long-distance phone calls, text messaging, and data access can be disabled. A security breach to a corporate network could be prevented by changing the VPN settings upon detection of security risk. On the other hand, an authorized user could interrupt a transmission by entering an access password to the mobile device in response to a privacy warning. The patent application, which Patently Apple said was published only this week, listed "Borghei; Hoonan" as the inventor. Recording activities When a mobile device detects activities that suggest unauthorized use, it could record or detect the activities. Such recordings or detections could be used to aid the recovery of the device, by providing location information to the authorized user as well as to the police. "Of course recording the voice of thief could assist the user in any court case should it be required," Patently Apple said. Warnings Apple's patent also illustrates a user interface that allows a user to intervene before the lost device's location information is transmitted. It could warn the user that a transmission of location information is imminent, with the warning being a voice warning or a ring tone; or a physical warning such as a vibration; or a display warning; or all three combined. An authorized user who knows the password of the mobile device could interrupt the countdown. On the other hand, the feature allows someone who happens to find the phone can contact the person requesting the location. — TJD, GMA News