iPad Security Gap

"The four-digit password code on Apple's iPads is designed to prevent unwanted eyes viewing your personal data. But a glitch in iOS 5 could mean that the password lock offers no protection at all. All the hacker requires is a magnetic Smart Cover - either yours, or if you don't use Apple's magnetic screen protector, they can bring their own (or just use a magnet).

Smart Cover is magnetic, and the iPad's screen 'senses' whether it's closed or open, and turns on accordingly. It's this automatic 'On' button that can be used to gain access to locked iPad 2s without knowing the password.

In a blog post, Mac fan site 9to5Mac demonstrated that it is possible to gain access to applications such as Mail or messaging simply by turning the targeted iPad off, closing and then opening the Smart Cover, then pressing cancel. The hack 'fools' iPad into opening up without requiring a password. At present, the hack is only confirmed to work with the new iOS 5, released last week, but other reports state that it also works on older devices running iOS 4. At that point, the hacker will not have full access to the device, but will be able to access the last application you had open before you set the lock. For many users, that application will be Mail - which gives potential attackers access to a huge amount of private information often including bank details and addresses, searchable via the application.

At present, Apple hasn't offered an official 'fix' for the glitch, but 9to5Mac suggests that users can disable Smart Cover unlocking via the Settings menu to ensure that their device is secure."

 

Yeah, I saw this and don't really care. Siri also bypasses an iPhone's passcode but again, I don't see a big issue with it especially since there aren't that many iPhone 4S's out there and people would have to know what they are doing with the iPad 2 in order to bypass the security. These types of things happen with new software/hardware. I think everyone is blowing it out of proportion especially when multiple OS's ship with some wide gaping holes. New software comes out and it is patched, the problem will eventually be solved. This isn't the first time that a bug like this has popped up for Apple software and it won't be the last. I think the media and iHaters are making something out of nothing.

 

If your data isn't stored in the cloud and/or you store your passwords on any Electronic device and someone has hard access to it, if they are smart enough they can access your data.

This is true for Windows 7, OSX, and even some embedded systems like phones and stuff.