Google, Microsoft Will Include Kill Switches in Next OS

[exfileme]

They're jumping on the kill switch bandwagon, and for good reason.

Google, Microsoft Will Include Kill Switches in Next OS : Read more

 

[LostAlone]

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.

 

[Integr8d]

Microsoft's kill switch will be to just make the phone blue screen every five seconds.

 

[BewareOfButtlice]

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

 

[qlum]

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.

 

[WithoutWeakness]

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.

 

[WyomingKnott]

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

 

[joddy466]

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.

 

[Christopher1]

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.

 

[SteelCity1981]

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

 

[becherovka]

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

This is already done. iPhones held ransom in Australia.
http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/australian-apple-idevices-hijacked-held-to-ransom-20140527-zrpbj.html

 

[ericburnby]

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?

 

[ericburnby]

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.

 

[hoofhearted]

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.

 

[C 64]

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"

 

[back_by_demand]

MS & Google introduce killswitches, then Apple sues them for copying the iPhone

 

[iogbrideau]

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

 

[urbanman2004]

All this time Samsung had one. Where the f*ck i been

 

[ericburnby]

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.

 

[virtualban]

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).

 

[Phillip Wager]

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.

 

[GreaseMonkey_62]

In Android Device Manager you can remotely lock, reset, ring and locate your phone.

 

[iogbrideau]

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.