The current version of the iPhone has a little security flaw. The password feature that’s built into the device can be easily bypassed by following a few steps. Apple has confirmed the problem and promised to fix it in September.
This affects iPhones version 2.0.2 (the ones available today).
Here’s how it works:
- Password protect the phone and lock it
- Slide to unlock it
- Tap the emergency call button
- Double tap the home button
Done, anyone can now access the favourites list in the phone, the full address book, and dial any number including voicemail. It also lets anyone see private information stored against a contact, full access to the email client, and they can gain access to the Safari web browser (if there’s a web address stored against a contact).
For iPhone owners there’s a way to prevent this from happening, protecting the phone from being used if it’s lost while locked:
- Go to the Home page on the iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Click on General
- Click on the Home button
- Click on either Home or iPod