iPad 2 Smart Cover security flaw

If you use a passcode to lock your iPad 2 so people can’t access the device without permission, there is a security flaw with iOS 5 that you need to be aware of.

The passcode is easily bypassed by using a Smart Cover, but it only allows someone to view your home screen or the last open app that was used. However, the last opened app will function as normally. If that last app you were using was Mail, Messages, or Contacts, someone could access your personal information.

A passcode will be required when someone attempts to open a different app or an app from the home screen.

Here is how bypassing the passcode is done with a Smart Cover.

• While on the lock screen, hold down the power button until the “slide to power off” switch appears.
• Close the iPad’s Smart Cover to lock the device again.
• Open the Smart Cover and hit “Cancel”. The home screen or the last app used will open.

A temporary solution is to go to Settings and turn off the iPad Cover Lock / Unlock option. This will disable your iPad’s sleep/wake feature with the open or close of the Smart Cover but it will also prevent someone from gaining access to your iPad without the passcode.

Apple will likely fix this in a iOS update soon.