Since yesterday, there has been a lot of fuss over some Siri-related “security flaw” on the iPhone 4S. In case you haven’t been paying attention, people can use Siri on your iPhone 4S to perform certain actions – without having to unlock the device, even if it is locked by a passcode. In this locked iPhone state, Siri can be used to bring up a list of appointments, make calls and even send messages to people – as long as the user knows what names are stored on the phone. However it can’t be used to launch apps or send messages or emails to people not in the contact list.
While most people see this as an issue, what they don’t know is: Siri running on a locked iPhone 4S is actually a feature – which means it can be easily turned off. All you have to do is head over to Passcode Lock settings and turn off Siri. Problem solved! Sure, you lose the convenience of not having to unlock your phone for Siri, but hey – it makes your phone a lot less useful when in the hands of strangers.
Filed in . Read more about Apple Inc, iOS, iPhone, iPhone 4S, Security and Siri.