IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
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Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#2> We're not sure why Apple is gathering this data, but it's clearly intentional, as the database is being restored across backups, and even device migrations.
My understanding is that all data and files is persisted in that manner. Not sure why they're implying this file has been singled out.
Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#3I'll be checking in here for technical questions. The github direct link is http://petewarden.github.com/iPhoneTracker/
Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#4> We're not sure why Apple is gathering this data, but it's clearly intentional, as the database is being restored across backups, and even device migrations. My understanding is that all data and files is persisted in that manner. Not sure why they're implying this file has been singled out.
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Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#5Apple has been known to collect this information for a while now [1] but storing all this information in a database should not be required for this.
If you tuink about how much information you have on your phone, if somebody has access to it or to your backups, I think your locstion history is the least of your problems. But I do agree that it should not store this information, encrypted or not...
Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#6The simple solution is select encrypt backups in your iTunes options. If my computer or phone got stolen, I'd have more important things to worry about than whether the thief can find a list of locations I've been. It's fun/interesting to see it mapped out though.
Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#7I can sort of understand the outrage but I don't see the utility of it. Apps that are written for the App store don't have access to this data without the permission of the user. And the only way an app would be allowed access to a file outside the sandbox is if its jailbroken.
I'm not familiar with the in and outs of iOS LocationManager but it generally gives you the immediate coordinates at the time you request and nothing more. As for why the database of locations? It's entirely possible they are using it for QoS.
As for access to device backups. If someone has unauthorized control of your desktop computer you have bigger problems.
Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#8> We're not sure why Apple is gathering this data, but it's clearly intentional, as the database is being restored across backups, and even device migrations. My understanding is that all data and files is persisted in that manner. Not sure why they're implying this file has been singled out.
The intention was to indicate that it's not just a temporary log file that's not being deleted properly. Poorly expressed though, I agree.
Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#9I can sort of understand the outrage but I don't see the utility of it. Apps that are written for the App store don't have access to this data without the permission of the user. And the only way an app would be allowed access to a file outside the sandbox is if its jailbroken. I'm not familiar with the in and outs of iOS LocationManager but it generally gives you the immediate coordinates at the time you request and…
What is QoS?
I agree that it's not a security risk from an app store perspective but I'd still prefer not to be tracked.
Re: IPhones and 3G iPads log your location in an unencrypted file on the device
#10The simple solution is select encrypt backups in your iTunes options. If my computer or phone got stolen, I'd have more important things to worry about than whether the thief can find a list of locations I've been. It's fun/interesting to see it mapped out though.
Encrypting backups won't encrypt the original file on your phone.