This is only an issue because the jailbreak process has become so damn simple, anyone can do it. And installing SSH is even more simple. It definitely would not surprise me if 90% of jailbreakers with SSH installed have "alpine" as thier root password. The iPhone is a simplistic device with a large draw for semi-techies everywhere, and it just makes sense that something so obviously insecure as leaving the default password would go unacknowledged. Hell, even many "unix savvy" admins have no clue how to properly secure a protocol like SSH.

This is no more surprising than the large number of server admins that use the root account to do their bidding.

See my comment below, and choose your words carefully to avoid spreading FUD.

What you did was not "bricking" your phone. You simply replaced a file of the wrong version, which prevented the device from booting normally (apple logo loop). You then restored the device, which is most certainly impossible on a device that has been bricked.

People, Engadget:
Bricking a device is an event that renders the device permanently inoperable. I would say that a device can also be considered "bricked" when it requires hardware "hacks" to get it functioning again (a "bricked" router comes to mind - could only restore the WRT54G by shorting 2 specific pins on the board)

I'll admit, I wouldn't tell my little brother to do this himself. But it really isn't that difficult, or that dangerous. Also, the patch (CommCenter) is NOT a patch to the baseband, but a patch to a daemon that CONTROLS the baseband. This is an important distinction.

I'm NOT going to say that this patch (which is really not a patch, but a replacement) can't brick your iPhone, but I also cannot see how it possibly could "brick" it. DFU mode is always just a game of finger-twister with the hardware buttons away.

YouTube bait and switch!

i think it is pretty obvious:

1) The Pre is the only one ADVERTISING support for iTunes

2) IMO, the Pre is the only real proprietary competitor to the iPhone. period. (that is, the only thing that comes close without being Android powered)

That was obviously NOT the first time he opened the box :)

When will Microsoft patch IE?

It is disappointing that Apple may choose to base the pricing model once again on storage. This has worked for quite some time, offering higher amounts of storage for the usual $100 more. However, now that flash memory is so inexpensive at the low end, this model really no longer applies. 8GB of flash in an iPhone should cost MAYBE $50 more at most than the 4GB. Cut the priding model steps in half and that would be acceptable (I guess). But what is NOT ok is 4GB for $99, 8GB for $199, 16GB for $299, 32GB for $399. That is just clever pricing, not fair pricing.

Want to charge more? Offer higher memory AND more value for the money. Throw in something (perhaps a dock connector perephrial?). Give a better camera. Faster processor. iPhone and iPhone Pro anyone?

This is not a sustainable model, and it has run it's course.

Now hear me out with this little picky qualm about the interface:

What is the deal with that radius on the curved edges? It's huge! This will no doubt look good on a Pre - it DOES look damn good on the Pre...but what about other WebOS devices in the future? Will they be designed around the curves of the OS? I just can't seem to allow my eyes to like the way it looks is all...the color choices are awesome though.

Call me crazy :) This is something I have noticed, however. I guess it doesn't help that I'm just not all that impressed with the Pre to begin with.

Are you serious?? The iPhone is made for those who are not technically savvy? If so, I must have the wrong device...

I'd consider myself pretty apt with technology, being a developer and all. And yes, I chose the iPhone. Why? Not because it has all of the latest games and apps, but because it is the most viable platform of its time. Sure, the GUI is made to be easy-to-use, but isn't that a main draw? Sure WM can do everything the iphone does, but its definitely not pleasant. A quick jailbreak gives me a terminal, which may or may not be wayyyy more than then a BB can offer. No, I dont know if BB has a shell available. But the fact remains.. The iPhone is MADE for the masses, but it can be adapted to fit anyone's needs. To say that the iPhone is for those ignorant, noob consumers is incorrect. Just as OS X can be touted as "lame" by the uneducated, the iPhone appears outwardly as a device that is "dumbed down" when in fact, it is much more capable than it's counterparts. Please, try to be more open minded. You just might find a device that fits your needs, AND is pleasant to operate :)