The guys at 9to5mac have uncovered a pretty bad security bug concerning the iPad 2 and iOS 5 (iOS 4.3 has the same problem apparently) that could allow someone to bypass the Passcode meant to secure your beloved tablet with a simple Smart Cover case, or just a magnet.

    The problems is that someone could gain access to the last app used if it wasn’t minimized. And I mean complete access. If you  leave your iPad 2 in ‘desktop’ you can scroll through all your screen and see which apps are installed. You can’t launch any, which is good, but if the last app used contains critical info (like an open Gmail in Safari, the contacts or calendar app) then you might be in trouble.

    How to recreate the bug

    The bug or better called security threat can be recreated using the following steps:

    1. Set up a Passcode password for your iPad 2 tablet (General – Settings – Passcode Lock)
    2. Close the iPad 2 (0r the smartcover case) and then try to turn it on again. You should be greeted with the Passcode numeric pad.
    3. Press and hold the power button until iPad 2 reaches the turn off slider screen
    4. Close your Smart Cover
    5. Open the Smart Cover again
    6. Click cancel on the bottom of the screen. Now you have access to the main screen or the last opened app

    Here’s a video on how it works:

    How to solve the problem until Apple fixes the security threat

    Don’t despair, as there’s an easy way to fix this possible security threat until Apple releases an official fix: go to Settings – General and scroll down to iPad Cover Lock/Unlock. Make sure to turn off this feature momentarily. You lose convenience, but gain security.

    How to fix the iPad 2 security threat

    How to fix the iPad 2 security threat

    As you can see, not one device is bulletproof when it comes to security threats so the best way to not get in trouble is to make sure you stay alert, always have the latest updates installed and try to secure your personal data as much as possible. And I’m not talking just about the iPad 2 here. I’ll make sure to let you know when this serious bug is fixed.