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Google, Microsoft Will Include Kill Switches in Next OS

Tags:
  • Google
  • Apple
  • Smartphones
  • Security
  • Microsoft
  • Software
Last response: in News comments
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June 20, 2014 11:03:20 AM

This is probably a bit previous at this point but... How the hell has Android not had this? I had remote lock down on my blackberry in 2008.
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June 20, 2014 11:59:17 AM

Microsoft's kill switch will be to just make the phone blue screen every five seconds.
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June 20, 2014 12:12:42 PM

While I can see the use of a kill switch I don't really feel comfortable with a company like google apple or microsoft holding the key. I much rather be the only one capable of killing my phone.
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6
June 20, 2014 12:15:52 PM

I'm starting to think that the zombie-phone-guy image is just a placeholder for when the author is too lazy to find a relevant thumbnail.
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9
June 20, 2014 1:21:00 PM

The next ransomware: "Send $250 or your phone will be bricked."
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4
June 20, 2014 1:30:11 PM

Could it be that thieves simply perceive Samsung phones as more valuable with no connection whatsoever to a kill switch. After-all correlation does not imply causation.

Just a thought.
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1
June 20, 2014 1:52:03 PM

Quote:
The next ransomware: "Send $250 or your phone will be bricked."

Bingo. That is what I am concerned about, someone will get access to this functionality and use it illegtimately.
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June 20, 2014 4:20:34 PM

microsoft already has a kill switch for their phones it's called windows 8 mobile. as soon as a thief finds out it's running windows 8 mobile they give it back. lol
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June 20, 2014 8:17:56 PM

Quote:
Could it be that thieves simply perceive Samsung phones as more valuable with no connection whatsoever to a kill switch. After-all correlation does not imply causation.

Just a thought.

Please. That's the new catchphrase in every article I've seen the last couple days: correlation does not equal causation.

iPhone thefts dropped immediately after iOS 7 and Activation Lock came out while during the exact same period Samsung thefts went up. And you don't think there's any relationship? Perhaps you know of some other new tech or event that coincided with this to explain it? Or are you just trying to minimize the significant impact Activation Lock has had?
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June 20, 2014 8:21:14 PM

Quote:
While I can see the use of a kill switch I don't really feel comfortable with a company like google apple or microsoft holding the key. I much rather be the only one capable of killing my phone.


Uh, they don't hold the "key", With Apple and Activation Lock I'm in complete control. I can decide if I want to erase/brick my iPhone and whether Activation Lock is even turned on. It's not up to Apple at all.

I highly doubt it would be any different with Google or Microsoft.
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0
June 20, 2014 8:42:23 PM

Quote:
They already have this on android phones. You can locate, lock, delete, and send an alarm to your android phone through google. https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager


That alarm feature (ring) is so cool. Lost tablet no more. Would be kind of funny if this got hacked somehow and someone made all Android devices in the world ring at once.
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June 22, 2014 12:22:42 AM

Quote:
The next ransomware: "Send $250 or your phone will be bricked."


Missing the pint here. It will be more like: " Mandatory update - 250 $ or your phone will be bricked. xoxo MS"
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June 23, 2014 4:19:06 AM

MS & Google introduce killswitches, then Apple sues them for copying the iPhone
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June 23, 2014 11:36:08 AM

Android already has a killswitch, but probably wasn't advertising it to avoid a lawsuit by apple.
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June 23, 2014 3:29:24 PM

All this time Samsung had one. Where the f*ck i been
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June 23, 2014 9:53:19 PM

Quote:
Android already has a killswitch, but probably wasn't advertising it to avoid a lawsuit by apple.


No they don't. You're confusing the ability to erase a device and protect your data with the ability to prevent a stolen device from being flashed and re-sold. Android can't do the latter.
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June 24, 2014 12:57:45 AM

Mandatory updates (free or paid, free mostly since mandatory), and planned obsolesce, so you will NEED to buy a new phone. These are my fears (along with ransomware of course, but careful usage can skip ransomware, and nothing can skip mandatory updates).
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June 24, 2014 1:42:16 AM

aaannnd im never buying a smartphone again. after going smartphone less for a year i realize just how much a waste of money these things really are. maybe its just because im allways right near a real computer but it just seems pointless to me to do anything on a tiny phone.
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June 24, 2014 12:21:50 PM

In Android Device Manager you can remotely lock, reset, ring and locate your phone.
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June 25, 2014 10:32:08 AM

ericburnby said:
Quote:
Android already has a killswitch, but probably wasn't advertising it to avoid a lawsuit by apple.


No they don't. You're confusing the ability to erase a device and protect your data with the ability to prevent a stolen device from being flashed and re-sold. Android can't do the latter.


Yes Android can do the latter using this link: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager it provides the option to lock the device, locate it, and all other things you need for a killswitch.
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