iPhone Thief Explains How He Breaks Into Your Phone | WSJ
The Wall Street Journal
9 min, 47 sec
The video delves into the methods used by Aaron Johnson to steal iPhones and exploit Apple's software vulnerabilities to make money, and the consequences of his actions.
Summary
- Aaron Johnson stole hundreds of iPhones and made hundreds of thousands of dollars by exploiting a vulnerability in Apple's software.
- Johnson employed various tricks to obtain phones and passcodes, then accessed bank accounts and money apps, locking out the owners.
- Apple introduced new security software with a stolen device protection setting, but some loopholes remain that users need to actively manage.
- Johnson shared his techniques which included face ID manipulation and reselling the phones, amounting to thefts between $1-2 million.
Chapter 1
Overview of Aaron Johnson's iPhone theft scheme and the investigation into Apple's software vulnerabilities.
- Aaron Johnson is incarcerated for stealing iPhones and a large sum of money by exploiting an Apple software vulnerability.
- The vulnerability allowed him to loot victims' bank accounts and lock them out of their Apple accounts.
- The reporter has been investigating this vulnerability for a year.
Chapter 2
Aaron Johnson describes his method for stealing iPhones and passcodes.
- Johnson targeted individuals in bars, watching them input their passcodes or deceiving them to hand over their phones.
- He would claim to have drugs or pretend to be a rapper to gain access to the victims' phones.
- Once he had the phone and passcode, he would quickly take control of the victims' Apple accounts.
Chapter 3
Johnson's victim profile and interviews with some of the individuals he stole from.
- Johnson preferred to steal from men under 30, typically those who were drunk and not attentive.
- Victims shared their experiences of being approached by Johnson with offers of drugs or social media connections.
- Johnson used various excuses to get the victims to unlock their phones, then memorized or recorded their passcodes.
Chapter 4
Details of how Johnson executed the phone thefts and the profits he made from the scheme.
- Johnson pled guilty to racketeering, revealing his cooperation with others and the use of both trickery and violence.
- He described the process of locking victims out of their phones by changing their Apple ID passwords and face ID settings.
- Johnson made significant amounts of money by selling the stolen phones and using them for purchases.
Chapter 5
Johnson explains how he exploited Apple's security features and the steps he took after stealing the phones.
- He would add his face ID to the stolen phones, giving him access to the victims' financial apps and accounts.
- Johnson used the stolen phones to make expensive purchases and then erased and sold the devices.
- The theft included not only the iPhones but also resale of Apple products bought with the stolen phones.
Chapter 6
Apple's new security measures in response to the thefts and advice on how users can protect themselves.
- Apple introduced a stolen device protection setting in iOS 17.3, which requires biometric authentication for critical changes.
- The reporter advises users to not store passwords in notes, use strong passcodes, and be aware of their surroundings.
- Despite the new security setting, some apps and features like Apple Pay remain vulnerable.
Chapter 7
Johnson reflects on his actions, expresses regret, and looks forward to a different future post-release.
- Johnson expresses remorse for his actions and the impact on his victims.
- He admits that greed drove him and wishes he hadn't taken it so far.
- Looking forward, Johnson intends to change his ways for the betterment of his life and his children.
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