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Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking is the process of removing an Apple device’s manufacturer settings, allowing the device user to run code that has not been authorized by the device’s original manufacturer. Jailbreaking allows Apple users to have more control over their device, as it allows them to tweak various aspects of the iOS interface and install applications that are banned from the Apple Store. Jailbroken devices cannot be updated using a new download of iOS, meaning that once an Apple device is jailbroken, it must be updated using the appropriate jailbreaking hack. Jailbreaking can potentially expose an Apple device to security issues and stabilities issues such as potential crashes, freezes, and shortened battery life. Due to this, company employees typically refrain from jailbreaking their company-issued iPhones and iPads. While jailbreaking is the term used for Apple devices, rooting and cracking are terms used to describe the modification of other devices such as Androids.

What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Jailbreaking

Small and midsize companies often require their employees to sign a proper use agreement before being issued a company device, such as a company iPhone or iPad. This is to deter employees from using their company devices in an unauthorized manner, including using a company-issued device for personal purposes or jailbreaking the device. Jailbreaking a company device could expose sensitive company data to malicious code that has the sole purpose to erode or tamper with company data.

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