
These are issues that neither the tablet nor the end user is capable of handling. These are risks that you're probably not even aware of.
The "sandboxed" nature of iOS -- Apple's mobile operating system -- can only do so much before the risk of a zero-day malware infection becomes a hard reality. This is exactly the kind of high risk scenario we'll be addressing today, in this post.
It is common knowledge that an antivirus software and firewall are 'must haves' when it comes to a Windows PC or laptop. But Apple computers, phones and tablets (supposedly) require no such protection.
Frankly, that's a myth and a disaster waiting to happen.
There are always exceptions to the rule and lack of proactive iPad security can put it at the risk of wireless malware.
Let's take a look at this case by focusing on two critical questions:
- What are the potential software risks to your Apple tablet on public WiFi?
- Are there any privacy risks or chances of data loss, identity theft, phishing on WiFi?
Apple security experts believe that while the iPad is "secure enough" to be used anywhere online, it is not “completely safe” for surfing on a public WiFi connection without some sort of real-time security application protecting your tablet.
The reason for this assertion is that there is a greater chance of phishing and hacking on a public WiFi connection as compared to private WiFi, or your own home WiFi.
There’s also the possibility that the public WiFi internet may be unsecured, or even spoofed with the intention of sniffing data packets and stealing your passwords. That's why anonymous browsing and iOS encryption is recommended for any iPad on WiFi (both public and private).
Remember that iPad has hardware security by default but does not have higher-level software (internet) security.
Basic security is taken care of by the iPad's closed mobile operating system called iOS. But that's not enough.
To give you an example, think of a regular Windows laptop, PC or computer. When you surf the internet on a Windows PC, you do so with an active and updated antivirus and firewall software.
Now tell us, what internet security software does your iPad have as active protection?
Sure, iPad has a closed OS and hence does not need an antivirus (unless you jailbreak it). But beyond that, it has no other security app actively protecting it “just in case”.
- What’s your second line of defense against network viruses or zero-day vulnerability?
- What if a browser malware or malicious app creeps into your tablet unknown to you?
- What if you never knew that you were hacked and your iPad apps started randomly crashing?
None of this is wild theory or fiction. These are facts based in reality and some of these problems have actually affected iPad users.
When it comes to a firewall equivalent or real-time security for your iPad, the best line of defense is a military-grade encryption app.
It's the foundation of tablet security and a necessary component of anonymous surfing.