Microsoft is locking down Windows Phone with WP 8.1 update 2. The update brings an anti-theft lock system that makes it impossible to use the phone even after a reset. The manufacturer is responsible for enabling the protection, and they could request an unlock key from Microsoft if needed. The new feature is called "Reset Protection."
This is a very slick feature that will help cut down on phone theft.
Reset Protection consists of the following parts:
Reset and reactivation protection – The stolen device cannot be reused by resetting or flashing the device. When a user performs a factory reset on the device, they will be asked to enter the Microsoft Account credentials that are associated with that device. Additionally, if the device is flashed with a new image and Reset Protection is turned on, the Microsoft Account credentials that were associated with that device is required to finish OOBE and use the device.
Anti-rollback protection – If Reset Protection is enabled, the stolen device cannot be flashed to an earlier version of the operating system that did not support Reset Protection.
Reset and reactivation protection – The stolen device cannot be reused by resetting or flashing the device. When a user performs a factory reset on the device, they will be asked to enter the Microsoft Account credentials that are associated with that device. Additionally, if the device is flashed with a new image and Reset Protection is turned on, the Microsoft Account credentials that were associated with that device is required to finish OOBE and use the device.
Anti-rollback protection – If Reset Protection is enabled, the stolen device cannot be flashed to an earlier version of the operating system that did not support Reset Protection.
This is a very slick feature that will help cut down on phone theft.