5 Things You Should Know about iPad Security

There is no doubt that Apple's iPad has grown more popular every year since the company introduced it to the public. In fact, before the introduction of Apple's iPad, the tablet market was relatively small.

However, as fun and useful as the iPad is, there are some security risks that you should watch out for.

Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking basically means hacking your iPad in order to make modifications to the operating system. Many people do it as a way to get apps for free. One of the problems with jailbreaking your iPad is that it leaves it open to vulnerability exploits while using Safari and problems with apps permissions; in other words, your apps may transmit personal data you don't want them to.

Data Mining

The iPad is no more secure when it comes to app data mining than smartphones are. Data mining is when an application collects information about you and transmits it back to a company. For example, the way Facebook remembers things you have "liked" and displays them on your friends' pages. Google also uses data mining to scan users' emails and contacts. Using your iPad with these applications is no safer than using them on your smartphone.

Password Protection

It may seem annoying to enter a password every time you bring your iPad out of sleep mode, but think of how much personal information someone could access if he or she stole your iPad or used while you weren't around. The thief would have access to your email, your web browsing history, your social networking applications and possibly even your bank account. Live with the annoyance and make sure to use a strong password.

Malware

It is true that as of this writing, there is no known malware that specifically target the iPad's iOS. However, the problem is that has made Apple and other companies over confident and very little research or testing is being done in this area. Given that massive popularity of iOS compared to Apple's computer operating system, it's a safe bet to say that users are being lulled into a false sense of security. Eventually, hackers are going to take aim at Apple's iOS.

Pirating

Recently a Russian hacker found a way to bypass Apple's usually exceedingly secure App Store and download apps for free. He made this information publicly available and even set up a website to encourage others users to do it. Besides being illegal and immoral, downloading pirate apps will open your iPad up to all kinds of nasty security issues. If you can't afford to buy the app through the proper channel, then you shouldn't be using it.

Security while using your iPad is mostly just a matter of common sense and much of the same security measures you would use with any other type of computer, bit it means more than slapping simple ipad cases onto your device for protection. However, because the iPad is a mobile device, a little extra caution is required like not storing passwords in Safari. You may sacrifice a little convince by not storing passwords, cleaning out your web history often, etc., but if a thief gets a hold of your iPad, you'll glad you did it!

Alvaro Nydam

About the Guest Author:

Alvaro Nydam loves his iPad and takes it everywhere. He pays special attention to security, especially when he considers financial apps and others that store personal information.