The presence of Activation Lock on the iPhone and iPad highlights the limited security measures Apple has implemented with the Apple Watch. As detailed by iDownloadBlog’s Jeff Benjamin, Apple has taken steps to protect Watch user data, but it has failed to do so with the device itself. When you have a paired device that uses a convenient security measure, the lack thereof will automatically raise a red flag. Jeff explains why.
During the past two years, we got used to the Apple ID prompt when turning off iCloud, for example. That’s because Apple uses Activation Lock to protect iOS devices from thieves. This locks the device to a single Apple ID, and only the rightful user can unlock it.
That’s missing from Watch OS 1.0, and when combined with the ease of bypassing the passcode with a simple reset, it becomes alarming at a certain point. It’s a fact that it raises a red flag, because this security hole allows anyone with access to your Apple Watch to reset it and use it as his or her own, although you paid for it.
While we are awaiting a fix — considering Apple’s emphasis on security, it should arrive with the next major software update — what you can do is take care of your freshly purchased Apple Watch.
