Apple has released their newest update iOS 3.2.2 for iPads. This update appears to be solely focussed on patching a security vulnerability associated with viewing malicious PDF files. This security vulnerability was identified that when visiting a webpage and loading a simple PDF file it may open up total control of your iPad. The security vulnerability affected any device running iOS 3.1.2 and higher.
This security vulnerability is easily exploitable. For those wishing to “Jailbreak” their iPad, this security vulnerability was used to simply the process of jailbreaking the iPad by simply going to a website address.
For those of you who have already jailbroken your iPad be aware that you will lose your jailbreak, unlock and any other non-authorized modifications after installing the 3.2.2 update.
To get the new iOS 3.2.2 update download and install through iTunes.
In a ruling yesterday by the U.S. Library of Congress, as a part of a periodic review by its copyright office, authorized several new exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 including allowing mobile phone users to “jailbreak” or unlock their devices to install and utilize apps that are not authorized by the device manufacturer.
Jailbreaking is the process that allows iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users to run non-Apple approved, third-party apps. Some third party apps allow the changing of themes including background images, screen lock images, keyboard images, and sounds. Other apps will allow for use of the iPhone 3G connection for use with other devices.
Apple’s stance on jailbreaking their iPhones was that they felt it would severely degrade the experience of the iPhone user as well as violate the warranty of the device. Examples of issues caused by jailbreaking include device and application instability, unreliable voice and data service, shortened battery life, compromised security leaving the device open for malicious attacks and inability to apply future software updates.
Apple responded today confirming their stance that jailbreaking iPhones was not in the best interest of users, for all of the aforementioned reasons. In addition, Apple mentioned any unauthorized modification of the iOS is a violation of the iPhone end-user license agreement which would enable Apple to to deny service for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch that has installed any unauthorized software.
It will be interesting to see how many additional users decide to jailbreak their devices. It is currently estimated that there are over 1 million jailbroken iPhones and possibly as high as 10 millions total jailbroken devices.
Recent Comments