A $38 Second-Hand Apple Product Reveals Company Secrets?

A $38 Second-Hand Apple Product Reveals Company Secrets?Security researcher Matthew Bryant recently purchased a used Apple Time Capsule from eBay for $38, only to discover a "data treasure trove" containing a wealth of internal Apple documents.The Time Capsule, shipped from the UK, cost Bryant an additional $40 for shipping

A $38 Second-Hand Apple Product Reveals Company Secrets?

Security researcher Matthew Bryant recently purchased a used Apple Time Capsule from eBay for $38, only to discover a "data treasure trove" containing a wealth of internal Apple documents.

The Time Capsule, shipped from the UK, cost Bryant an additional $40 for shipping. Upon connecting it at home, he began browsing its contents. To his surprise, the device held primary backups from all Apple Stores across Europe during the 2010s.

These backups contained a vast amount of information, including service tickets, employee bank account details, internal company documents, and emails. Bryant was astonished by the level of detail, which included employee salary information and internal project plans.

Realizing the potential privacy breach, Bryant contacted Apple. The company's London security office ultimately requested the Time Capsule's return. However, Apple has yet to respond to WIRED magazine's inquiries about the incident.

This is not the first time Bryant has stumbled upon internal Apple information in the used market. Previously, he purchased a suspected iPhone 14 prototype from Foxconn's quality control production line for $165, along with a Mac Mini, both containing extensive internal information and credentials from Apple and Foxconn.

Bryant's findings raise concerns about Apple's data security practices. People are questioning whether Apple has taken sufficient measures to protect user data and if it enforces strict confidentiality procedures for handling employee information.

This case also serves as a reminder about the potential security risks associated with purchasing used electronic devices. It's crucial to carefully choose sellers and ensure devices are thoroughly cleared of data. We must also enhance our data security awareness and prioritize the protection of personal privacy information.

At present, Apple has not publicly addressed Bryant's discoveries. We will continue to monitor this developing situation and provide updates as they become available.