Security Concerns

Along with social concerns, there are many security concerns with the iPad. First, as with any wi-fi or 3G device, there is the concern that an iPad could use a wi-fi network that it should not be using for free, such a private household or a business’ that is being paid for. This can be easily solved with a password to protect the wi-fi network, yet it is a public security concern nonetheless. Other than that the majority of the iPad’s security concerns have come from Apple’s Mac OS X operating system. This operating system is relatively notorious for being insecure, so insecure businesses tend to stray away from using it. Mac OS X does not offer a target that is valuable enough for malware developers to invest time and effort into attacking it. (Bradley, http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/192848/managing_ipad_security_weaknesses.html, 2/29/12) The Mac OS X platform is not widely used in business—Mac OS X only makes up about five percent of the total operating system market. (Bradley, http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/192848/managing_ipad_security_weaknesses.html, 2/29/12) If businesses do use iPad’s they must be very aware of how they are securing sensitive information. It is important for businesses to establish ground rules for the use of devices like the iPad, and to develop policies and procedures that take the security limitation of the device into consideration and adequately protect sensitive business data. (Bradley, http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/192848/managing_ipad_security_weaknesses.html, 2/29/12) Security concerns could be a major flaw in the success of the iPad, but then again it was not created for business but rather for pleasure.