iPad 2 Smart Cover Security Flaw

A security flaw on the iPad 2 has been discovered. Apparently locked iPad 2 tablets can be unlocked rather easily through the use of a Smart Cover and mild trickery. The security flaw only applies if the "iPad Cover Lock/Unlock" feature is enabled. Here's how it works.

These steps were originally reported by 9to5Mac:

1) Lock a password protected iPad 2

2) Hold down power button until iPad 2 reaches turn off slider

3) Close Smart Cover

4) Open Smart Cover

5) Click cancel on the bottom of the screen

The person who unlocks your iPad 2 will not have complete access to your iPad, but will be able to gain entrance to whatever you locked your iPad 2 on. If your iPad 2 went to sleep in Mail, Safari, Messages, Contacts, or Maps, you can imagine the sorts of personal information that can be viewed on your iPad. If you left your iPad 2 on its Home screen, the person can view which applications you have on your device, control media from the multitasking bar, but not much else.

I think I'm going to stop calling it the "Smart" Cover until this issue is fixed....

Seriously though, it's an unusual error that can be disastrous for people that lose their iPad 2. Personal and sensitive information can be easily unearthed, even if the unit is locked. That's just...bad. Hopefully an iOS update that fixes this problem will be released soon.

[Via: 9to5Mac]