TechLife_Australia_Issue_63_May_2017

(Nancy Kaufman) #1

[ WWW.TECHLIFE.NET ] [ 073 ]


Proper X-lock case for
iPad Air 2
NOT REALLY A LOCK AS MUCH AS IT
IS A MOUNT

AT FIRST GLANCE this looks like just
another iPad Air 2 cover (it also fits the
iPad Pro 9.7-inch). However, it’s not
actually a full wrap-around case, as it only
covers the rear of the unit, which helps to
explain why it’s so cheap. In terms of
physically connecting your iPad to the
unit, it uses four very simple clips, one on
each corner, which isn’t exactly thief-proof
— they can just pop out the unit if they
so choose.
There’s also no screen protection due to
the lack of a front shield. You’re basically
paying for a piece of plastic that clips to the
back, which can then be used with Proper’s
other accessories to be able to mount it
on a swivel or base. As such, it’s more of
a mounting device than a security device.

PROPER X-LOCK CASE
FOR IPAD AIR 2
$39.95
http://www.officeworks.com.au
CRITICAL SPECS
Plastic construction;
compatible with X-lock accessories

Proper Shoulder Strap
for X-Lock Case
KEEP YOUR IPAD AIR 2 BY YOUR SIDE.

AS MENTIONED ABOVE, the Proper X-lock
case for the iPad Air 2 isn’t really a security
device. The name lock in the title may
suggest that it is, but yanking out the
‘secured’ iPad is as simple as pulling it
out of the backing plate. It’s more of a
mounting system than a security feature,
and is designed to work with accessories
like this, the Shoulder Strap.
In essence, this is a clip attached to a strap
designed to be held over your shoulder.
You merely click it into the rear of the
X-lock case, rotate the lock, and you’re good
to go. It means your iPad is at waist length
at all times, within easy reach. Yet that’s a
little disconcerting, given the X-Lock case
doesn’t have any screen protection. We can
imagine how easy it would be to give your
shiny new iPad a heavy knock while it’s
swinging by your side, so highly
recommend adding an additional screen
protector. And as with the case itself,
this thing is about as secure as a piece of
glad wrap, so wouldn’t recommend it
as an anti-theft device.

PROPER SHOULDER STRAP
FOR X-LOCK CASE
$49
http://www.officeworks.com.au
CRITICAL SPECS
Compatible with all X-lock cases;
nylon strap

MISC PHYSICAL SECURIT Y DEVICES

ALSO CHECK OUT:
USB DATA BLOCKERS
DON’T GET HACKED WHILE USING
PUBLIC CHARGING STATIONS.

These days, most smaller electronic
devices are charged via a USB cable —
be it a smartphone, tablet, camera or
whatever. However, these same USB
cables aren’t just designed to pump juice
into the device — they can also transmit
and receive data. This is where a USB
data blocker comes into action. These
small plugs generally fit between your
USB port and USB cable, or are part of
the USB cable itself. It stops any data
being transmitted between your devices,
so even if savvy hackers have gotten
control of your PC, they won’t have
access to your phone. They’re rather
hard to find though, which suggests the
threat of data being stolen over USB is
minimal to say the least — after reaching
out to around 15 companies, not one of
them stocked any form or USB blocker.

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SUPERGUIDE

PHYSICAL SECURITY FOR YOUR DIGITAL DEVICES
Free download pdf