Sometimes it can be easy to think that the information entered on our iPads and iPhones is protected as long as you hold the device in your hand. However, this is not always the case. Reuters reported that 27-year-old computer hacker Andrew Auernheimer was recently sentenced to three years and five months time in prison for stealing the personal data of more than 120,000 Apple iPad users. Prosecutors indicated that victims of Auernheimer's theft included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, TV network news anchor Diane Sawyer and Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein.
U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton ruled Auernheimer would spend a total of 41 months in prison. In addition, he will have three years of supervised release and must pay restitution of $73,162, ZDNet reported.
“Andrew Auernheimer knew he was breaking the law when he and his partner hacked into AT&T's servers and stole personal information from unsuspecting iPad users,” said U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman. “When it became clear that he was in trouble, he concocted the fiction that he was trying to make the internet more secure, and that all he did was walk in through an unlocked door. The jury didn't buy it, and neither did the court in imposing sentence.”
This scenario demonstrates how iPad users can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. It further shows how serious of an offense it is to unlawfully access information. If you've got an old iPad at home collecting dust in a closet, it could be wise to refurbish the device and make sure it has all important safeguards for any personal information on it. For any damage this device may have, iResQ's iPad repair services can get it back to looking like new in no time.