"Must Do" for new iPad owners

Contributed by Jeff Miller, Information Services DBA and Security Specialist

Are you wondering what you should do with that new iPad or tablet you received over the holidays? Here are some "Must Do" tips about how to keep your new device secure and sound:

• Create an Apple ID. You use your Apple ID to digitally secure your device and connect it to you legally. If you ever have your iPad stolen, this can be used to help find it. You can find information on how to set up your Apple ID at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204316.
• Create a strong passcode or use TouchID/FaceID if it is available on your Apple device. However, if you use TouchID/FaceID, please memorize your passcode in the event that there is a problem with your touch sensor or the facial recognition feature.
• Download and install a Password Manager. Using a password manager helps give you an additional layer of protection in creating secure passwords - without having to memorize an insanely long password such as the ones typically required by banking institutions. Additionally, a password manager can help protect you in the event that one of your passwords is hacked/stolen. By using a different password at each site, a breach at one site does not cause you to have to change all of your passwords. Learn about two of the most notable cross-platform password managers at 1Password (https://www.1password.com) and LastPass (https://www.lastpass.com). Once you have installed a password manager, use it to immediately enter your username, password, and device passcode that you setup in the first 2 items on this list, as it can be a *very* daunting task to recover these later on.   
• Maximize using "stock" applications on your iPad such as Calendar and Mail. These applications work seamlessly together after you have set up your Apple ID. You are free to use other Calendaring and Email applications such as Google's Gmail or Outlook but getting these to work can be cumbersome as Contacts and Calendaring do not automatically synchronize between Apple and Google applications. If you want to use 3rd party Email or Calendaring applications, a good guide has been provided by iMore at https://www.imore.com/how-set-mail-contacts-and-calendars-iphone-and-ipad.   
• No more antivirus! The most recent Apple Mobile Operating System (iOS 12) uses a technology called "sandboxing" that prevents users from inadvertently installing viruses or malware/spyware onto their systems. Because of this, there is no true "antivirus" software for Apple mobile devices.