Joseph Cox

Talk Title:

Unlocking iPhones on the Cheap

Abstract:

Recently, thieves stealing iPhones have demanded their victims to remove iCloud from their phones, sometimes at gun point. The reason? Because of the iPhone's Activation Lock feature, which prevents a factory reset without the user's Apple ID and password. In response, a vibrant community of hackers, developers, and thieves make sure of custom phishing kits and other tools to try and wipe iCloud from the stolen phone. This talk will look at that complex supply chain of scammers, as well as how it holds a controversial and uncomfortable alliance with people trying to repair or resell iPhones.

Bio:

Joseph Cox is a journalist covering cyber-security, the digital underground, and the surveillance industry for Motherboard.