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IN BRIEF
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In the fascinating world of technology, few brands arouse as much mystery and curiosity as Apple. Known for its innovative products and its refined design, the Apple firm hides behind its sliding doors a veritable treasure trove of secrets, often unknown to the general public. Have you ever explored the vast ocean of information and hidden treasures for sale on the web, revealing unsuspected tips, accessories and Apple products? Embark with us on this fascinating quest to discover what the digital world has to offer to brand enthusiasts and curious people looking for something new.
Have you ever wondered what you might find in the forgotten corners of eBay Or Facebook Marketplace ? Used devices are sometimes full of surprises, but a lucky few discover real technological treasures. This is the case for Matthew Bryant, an independent security researcher, who recently made an intriguing discovery when purchasing an old Time Capsule from Apple.
An accidental but valuable discovery
In 2018, Apple stopped selling its Time Capsule, a product combining router and network storage. Most of these devices have been forgotten, but several are still for sale on platforms such as eBay. Bryant, intrigued by a model on sale for just $38, expected to acquire a technological relic. However, inside he discovered sensitive data owned by Apple.
How treasures are found
Bryant uses sophisticated techniques to identify old enterprise devices for sale. During the conference Defcon in Las Vegas, he presented his work detailing how he used iPhone SE modified to analyze the labels and barcodes of devices offered for sale. This method allows it to alert on the presence of equipment formerly used by companies like Apple.
The risks associated with second-hand devices
Bryant’s Time Capsule had a label reading « Property of Apple Computer, Expensed Equipment ». Inside he found backup server copies of all European Apple Stores from the 2010s, containing service tickets, employee banking data, internal documentation and emails.
Other notable discoveries
In addition to the Time Capsule, Bryant’s research system allowed him to unearth a prototype iPhone 14 intended for internal use at Apple. These prototype iPhones are popular because they include debugging features not available on standard models, providing valuable insight into the iOS platform. Bryant paid $165 for this device.
What future for these technological treasures?
Bryant’s discovery raises questions about the security of business equipment resold online. Although Apple is known for security of its operations, it seems that even the most vigilant companies are not safe from seeing their old devices end up on second-hand sales sites.
| Discovery | Time Capsule containing sensitive data |
| Cost | $38 (+$40 delivery) |
| Previous use | Serve as a backup server for European Apple Stores |
| Data found | Service tickets, employee bank details, internal documentation, emails |
| Another discovery | iPhone 14 prototype |
| Cost | $165 |
| Value | Use by internal developers |
- Time Capsule purchased for $38
- iPhone 14 prototype at $165
- Sensitive data discovered: ticket service, bank accounts
- Using Modified iPhone SEs for Research
- Research presented at Defcon
Interesting fact: digital geocaching
Matthew Bryant’s story evokes an intriguing parallel to modern treasure hunts like geocaching. Much like modern explorers who use GPS coordinates to discover caches, Bryant uses technological tools to track down equipment laden with secrets. Discover more fascinating geocaching adventures at this site.
FAQs
Who is Matthew Bryant? Matthew Bryant is an independent security researcher known for his groundbreaking discoveries in the field of second-hand technology equipment.
What is the Apple Time Capsule? The Time Capsule is a device combining a router and network storage, marketed by Apple between 2008 and 2018.
What was in the Time Capsule purchased by Bryant? The Time Capsule contained backup server copies of European Apple Stores, including service tickets, banking data, internal documentation and emails.
What other discoveries did Bryant make? In addition to the Time Capsule, Bryant discovered an iPhone 14 prototype intended for internal use at Apple.
Why are these findings important? These findings raise important questions about the management and security of enterprise equipment resold online, including those from companies known for their security like Apple.