Only by being aware of the potential Internet security threats can users take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Man in the Middle Attacks
Man in the middle attacks are one of the most common Internet threats based primarily around Wi-Fi connections. A man in the middle attack intercepts data as it is transferred between two systems. In this case, the attacker will intercept the data being transferred between the wireless router and the iPad Mini. This provides the attacker the ability to do two things.The first is steal data. While many people do not purposefully share valuable, sensitive information via their iPad Mini that doesn't mean this information isn't available to knowledgeable hackers. The second option is to insert malicious code into the data stream.
The malicious code is often malware such as viruses and key loggers. This malware is then used to gather information on the device or turn the iPad Mini into a zombie device which the hacker can use later for additional malicious purposes.
Data Snooping
Another common threat associated with using unsecured Wi-Fi networks with an iPad Mini is data snooping. The setup is similar to man the middle attacks because the data feed will monitor information as it is passed through the unsecured Wi-Fi router. In most cases, they will record all of the data and analyze it later.This provides them with the maximum amount of information with the minimum amount of effort. It is important to note that data thieves are often only interested in the easiest targets. Since such a large number of people can connect to a Wi-Fi network simultaneously, there is little incentive to target more difficult data streams.
Encrypting data as it is transferred between the iPad Mini and Wi-Fi router is the easiest way to become a more difficult target and minimize the risk of data theft.
Infected Apps
The final threat actually begins before the user connects to a Wi-Fi network. One of the benefits of the iPad Mini is the large number of downloadable apps which are available. While the Apple app marketplace has a strong history of delivering apps that have been tested to ensure they have not been infected. Other app marketplaces are not as secure.After a user downloads an infected app onto their iPad Mini the creator of the app can activate it any time an Internet connection is established. While there are no unique Wi-Fi Internet security risks for iPad Mini users, there are still serious threats which must be kept in mind any time a wireless Internet connection is established.
By taking proactive steps to secure the iPad Mini users can easily minimize these threats and browse the web securely with iPad VPN services.
Ron EastwoodAbout the Guest Author:
Ron Eastwood uses a VPN to browse freely on his iPad in public hotspots. Whereas those without an iPad VPN are restricted, he is able to access all of his favorite websites. Ron helps other see how they can secure their devices and access more websites with internet technology.
