IPad users’ personal data leaked
US TELECOMS firm ATT has confirmed some users of Apple’s iPad have had personal information exposed via a network security flaw, two months after the tablet computer was launched and smashed sales expectations.
The company apologised and said it would inform any customers who had been affected by the security breach. ATT said it learned of the problem on Monday and had since corrected the flaw.
The iPad, launched in April, has already sold more than two million units worldwide. Hype surrounding the device, which alongside the iPhone will form a pivotal part of the company’s international growth strategy, helped to propel Apple past Microsoft in May to become the world’s most valuable technology stock.
Its report said more than 100,000 iPad user accounts may have been compromised. Gawker reported that it obtained a list of e-mail addresses that included celebrities, politicians and chief executives.
ATT is now the sole wireless carrier for the iPad and the iPhone in the United States. ATT said the group who discovered the flaw did not inform the company, which was alerted to the problem by an unidentified business customer.
By Reuters, The Irish Times, Fri. June 11 2010
