Top 4 iPad Security Tips

When considering iPad security, you must understand the following points:

  • How to prevent unauthorized use of the iPad
  • Robust encryption techniques to protect data on the iPad, even when the iPad is stolen or lost
  • Network encryption and security of data transmitted from an iPad to another device
  • Protection for the iPad OS

Your iPad comes with some of the most striking security features. By following the rules mentioned below, you can make your iPad safer and more secure.

1. Prevent unauthorized access:
The most basic rule for protecting a device such as the iPad is never to leave it alone. Always keep your iPad with you or keep your eye on it. Even if you plan to leave it alone for a short period, you must use the passcode feature. The passcode lock feature locks and passcode-protects your iPad when left unused for a specified period.

You can also adjust the minimum time after which the iPad would be automatically locked. The passcode lock has another specific feature – it can wipe out all your data after a specified number of failed unlock attempts. You can combine letters and numbers in your passcode to make it more secure and set the passcode to expire after several days.

2. iPad usage restrictions:
The device restriction feature allows you to block specific applications (or “apps”) on your iPad for some or all users. The application includes network-enabled apps such as YouTube or iTunes. You can also use device restrictions to disable installing new programs on your iPad. This feature lets you impose specific usage control policies for your employees using iPad.

3. Data Protection:
The most important assets stored on your iPad are your data and contacts. It is essential to use proper, state-of-the-art standard encryption techniques to ensure iPad security. Your iPad offers you a 256-bit AES encoding procedure to make your task easier. This hardware-based encryption is turned on by default and cannot be disabled by users. However, it is still essential to use additional encryption methods to ensure iPad security. You also must back up all your important data.

Other data-protection features for iPad are remote wipe and local wipe. The remote wipe feature allows the user to remotely delete all the data present in the iPad and lock it in case it is stolen or lost. Local wipe works in the same way; it deletes all data when a specified number of unsuccessful passcode attempts are made.

4. Ensure secure network communication:
One of the most significant benefits of the iPad is its portability. You can use it anywhere and at any time. However, if you are using your iPad to surf the Internet and want to connect to it via a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensure that the network you connect to is secure and trusted. Always encrypt your data for transmission from your iPad to any other mobile device. Consider using a VPN (a virtual private network). The iPad supports several VPN technologies like PPTP, CISCO IPSEC, and L2TP, providing you with the highest level of encryption and security for transmitting sensitive data.

Permanently disable your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use. This will put your iPad on a battery-saving mode, preventing it from connecting to unidentified and insecure networks. Obtain free access to the “Find My iPad” feature through MobileMe. This feature allows you to track your iPad in case it is lost or stolen. Keep your iPad up to date by checking and downloading the latest updates from Apple. And (last but not least), if you are going to jailbreak your iPad, be very careful as it will disable the security mechanism that Apple configured for your device.

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