A short YouTube episode from Caitlin Sarian introducing "The Surveillance Files" mini-series. It explains research (2021, German university) that iPhones on iOS 15+ can keep Bluetooth/ultra-wideband and Find My modules active for up to 24 hours after shutdown, outlines the security risk that malware could exploit these low-power chips to broadcast location, and gives practical mitigations (Faraday bag, secondary device, disable unnecessary location tracking, keep software updated).
Chapters
Even when your phone's off, it's not really off. Think turning your phone off stops it from tracking you? Not even close. Let's go. Welcome to the Surveillance Files mini series where we expose how the government and tech watch your every move. Hi, I'm Caitlin. I'm a cyber security and data protection expert and I want to help you protect yourself online. Let's go. In 2021, researchers at a German university discovered that iPhones running iOS 15 and later still keep Bluetooth ultra wideband and find my modules active for up to 24 hours, even when you shut the phone down. Why? Apple says it's for helpful features like find my iPhone or airtag tracking. But here's the scary part. These chips aren't isolated from the rest of the phone. That means malware targeting Bluetooth firmware could exploit it and broadcast your location, even if your screen is black and you think the phone is dead. In fact, the research on this literally called it the evil that never sleeps. It showed how attackers could theoretically inject code into these low power chips. And since you can't audit or disable them, you'd never even know. So what can you do? Use a Faraday bag if you need your phone completely offline. Don't rely on off as a privacy. Use a secondary device if needed. Turn location tracking off for any app that doesn't need it, and keep your phone updated. This research pushed Apple to tighten security, but it's still not 100% isolated. If you go on my page, Cybersecurity Girl, you'll see more videos with step by step walkthroughs on how to keep your data and your loved ones safe. Follow for more.
