The launch of the new iPad was a record breaker, with 3 million of the shiny new devices flying off the shelves in just three days. If that was not impressive enough, analyst firm Sterne Agee has recently announced that it expects Apple to sell 55 million of its popular tablet this year.
Innovative, stylish and cool, the iPad is the must-have gadget for consumers and business users alike. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones desperate to get their hands on the tablet; with a high resale value and aesthetic design, iPads are also incredibly attractive to thieves.
So how can you make sure that your iPad does not fall into the wrong hands?
A good place to start is by setting your iPad’s passcode. Setting a password is a simple, but essential, way to protect your data, provided that it is not easy for others to guess. To set your passcode, go to settings/general/passcode and create a four digit code that you must enter every time that you turn on the device. Set a short ‘idle time’ interval (the time that it takes for the device to hibernate as a result of inactivity), as this will minimise the amount of data that a thief can access if they steal a device during use.
Once you have set your passcode, you should then enable another feature of the iPad to minimise the risk of a thief using the device to obtain your personal data. By enabling the ‘Find My iPad’ tool, you will be able to remotely lock or wipe the device in the event that it is stolen, or even try and locate your iPad if you lose it. All you need to do is log into iCloud if you misplace the tablet.
In addition to making use of the iPad’s inbuilt security features, you should also invest in some additional security measures to keep your tablet truly safe. Small and light, mobile devices are easy to steal, so physical security measures are essential for overnight storage and when working in public places. The iPad does not have a built-in security slot, meaning that it cannot be tethered to an immovable object using a conventional laptop security cable. With this in mind, you will need to look for a retrofit security pad. These pads fix to an iPad, without taking away from its sleek design, and come with a security slot to lock the tablet to a fixed object.
Another important point is that you should never leave your iPad unattended. Although this sounds obvious, with opportunistic theft accounting for a large proportion of petty crime, it is one that is worth emphasising. Do not leave your iPads in overhead lockers when travelling on a train, and never leave a device unsecured on a coffee shop table when you go to get a drink. If you do, it may not be there when you return.
Finally, you need to ensure that you back up your data. Hopefully, your iPad will never be stolen, but, if it is, you need to be prepared. By regularly syncing your iPad to iTunes, you can make sure that all your information is safely copied to your computer, just in case.
With ‘iPad-fever’ set to stay, unfortunately, so is iPad theft. Make sure that you take the necessary steps to protect your shiny new tablet.
Byline: Mark Exley is the General Manager for Product Development at the UK’s expert in managing mobile computing, LapSafe® Products
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