It is a never ending battle for technology developers to protect their new products. Apple is no exception, most famously with the iPhone being hacked by teenager George Hotz in the US to use on non-US phone networks. Apple had to rush to fix this hack for its European release to prevent others exploiting it for profit. Hotz is known also known for hacking the ‘uncrackable’ Playstation 3 at the end of 2009, but still maintains that it is a hobby and believes in ‘open’ technology. No doubt Hotz already has the iPad on order so he can unlock its ’secrets’ but for the moment he is the lesser of two evils.

Image from gizmodo.com

the iPad is in far more danger from a more malicious black hat SEO campaign on Google. Black hat SEO is using methods to improve rankings through methods that are disapproved or deceptive. Some of these methods include using text that is the same colour as the background, effectively hiding it or lying about the content of the page, taking the user to a completely different page. A similar method is being used when users search for terms such as ‘Apple tablet’ or ‘iPad rumours’, Google and other large search engines return sites that promote security software. When entering the site, users are prompted to download their software that harms their iPad under the disguise of security software.

Large search engines such as Google are usually able to block out this kind of malicious content but it is very difficult due to name and domain changes. As with any piece of technology, it is very important to be careful in reading site descriptions and being able to spot fraudsters. Just being vigilant is by far the best protection you can give to your new iPad

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