Tablets and security
How to protect the data on your iPad2
By on Jan 26, 2012Many of you may be aware that our new non-profitCFTechnologysends iPad2s to patients with cystic fibrosis and CFCenters. Last week, we had bad news from one of the centers: The iPad2 was STOLEN!
Just when the hospital was trying to figure out what to do with it, how to handle the cleaning (must be kept germ free), and, of course, the security, it was GONE! The very same hospital secures iPads in their child life center: MacGyvering with doggie leashes!
But since the iPad and other tablets are showing up in health centers more and more and even in operating rooms,security is of utmost importance. Here are some security measures to take with the iPad:
Copy the serial number and keep it in a safe place. It is on the back of the iPad. The numbers are also on the box the iPad comes in, so if the iPad is lost, you may want to keep the box. (The HCP at the hospital with the stolen iPad had the box and was able to report the stolen item by serial number to the police.)
Download a security app like “find my iPhone” (which will find your iPad also). It will help you locate your missing device on a map. You can then choose to display a message or play a sound, remotely lock your device, or erase your data on it.
Make a schedule to back up (sync) your data to your personal computer.
If you have an iPhone, BIKN(pronounced beacon) allows you to attach tiny tags to “stuff you care about”. Once your iPhone is in its BiKN smart case, the myBiKN app will enable you to create a wireless network for your stuff. Just connect your keys, bag, iPad, camera, kitty cat—whatever you don't want to lose—to a BiKN tag.
Maclockshas a variety of security cables for the iPad and even an adjustable security stand for iPad2s. Maybe this one could be moved around hospital rooms, providing germ-free protection (of course!)
For a large security system (1000 or more devices), AirWatchprovides comprehensive mobile security, mobile device management, and application management solution in a single, integrated console.
Hopefully, these ideas will help you manage your tablets and safeguard all your treasured data. If a device is lost or stolen, it’s important to deactivate and erase the device. It’s also a good idea to have a policy in place that will wipe the device after a defined number of failed pass code attempts—a key deterrent against attempts to gain unauthorized access to the device. Apple offers these and more suggestions about securing the actual dataon the iPad for business and personal use.
These are some of the lessons we learned from the stolen iPad2. For the future, along with a sticker placed on the iPad2 claiming “Donated by CFTechnology,” we will add a sticker saying: Don’t steal this iPad. It is secured in the iCloud!
Jeanne Barnett, a regular eyeforpharma contributor, is a patient advocate on CysticFibrosis.com and on a new non-profit CFTechnology.
For more on patients and technology, see Special report: Patient's Week 2011 and Special report: Mobile apps and pharma.
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