PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
With the launch of Apple’s latest round of new hardware at an event earlier this month, came more news about the firm’s new mobile operating system.
While iOS 9 is available across all of Apple’s devices, it’s its use with the iPad Pro – which was unveiled at the event and is aimed at professionals – that will really be of interest to businesses.
Some of the features of iOS 9 include Slide Over, which lets you simultaneously work in a second app without leaving the one you’re in and easily switch between your apps. There’s also Split View, which allows you to view and interact with two apps at the same time, side by side, and resize your view to prioritise one app over another. As well as this, there’s Picture-in-Picture, which lets you continue a video or FaceTime call while using other apps.
It’s easy to see how these features can be beneficial to business users, especially when coupled with the iPad Pro, which boast a 12.9-inch screen and can be used with the new Apple Pencil stylus, as well as the updated Bluetooth keyboard.
Back to iOS 9, a number of companies have got on board with the operating system right from its launch on September 16th. Enterprise mobility management firm SOTI announced launch-day support for iOS 9 so its enterprise customers could start using its advanced mobile management capabilities.
“With SOTI MobiControl and iOS 9, optimised enrollment, configuration and application deployment make it easier for organisations to secure and manage iOS 9 devices. End users benefit from new productivity, privacy, and security features that allow them to work smarter,” said the firm.
“SOTI MobiControl provides IT administrators the ability to secure, manage, and optimise iOS devices with enhanced support for Apple enterprise programs including its Device Enrollment Program (DEP) and Volume Purchase Program (VPP).”
Join.me also announced an update to coincide with the launch. The popular online meeting app now has a virtual whiteboard feature to increase collaboration.
“To enable better collaboration during online meetings, the update also introduces the ability use a device camera to instantly capture and bring physical whiteboards, photos or other images into the online experience,” said join.me.
While Apple devices and operating systems have a reputation for strong security, 84 percent of mobile vulnerabilities discovered last year were on iOS according to the Symantec’s latest Internet Security Threat Report.
With this in mind, Symantec is warning businesses to not jump straight in to iOS 9 without taking note of the firm’s top security tips for iOS 9:
– Use a strong, unique Apple ID password
Apple’s new iOS 9 now requires a six-digit passcode rather than four-digits. This, paired with a strong Apple ID password that uses letters, numbers and symbols, will make it harder for criminals to guess passwords and help protect users’ data.
– Enable Two-factor authentication
In iOS 9 two-factor authentication, an extra layer of security, is extended to iTunes and iCloud, and users should enable it immediately. Two-factor authentication requires users to enter a unique six-digit verification code (sent to a trusted device) along with their email address and password when signing into their accounts from a new browser or device.
– Disable access to Siri from the lock screen
Siri is iOS’s intelligent personal assistant but as well as being helpful Siri can also be a security risk. There have been several instances in the past where Siri has been used to bypass the iPhone’s lock screen. Disabling Siri from being used from the lock screen will protect your device from being susceptible to these types of hacks.
