As expected, the iOS 5.0.1 firmware update released today for iPad (and iOS devices) has fixed the recently exposed iPad 2 security issue, the one that allowed anyone with a smart cover to bypass the iPad 2’s passcode lock.

I’ve just tested this on my iPad 2, after installing iOS 5.0.1, and the passcode lock bypass no longer works. If you want to test for yourself, here are the steps that worked up until the 5.0.1 update:

• Take a locked, passcode-protected iPad, and wake it up, but do not enter a passcode
• Hold the power button until the “Swipe to turn off” button appears.
• Close the Smart Cover (or use a magnet)
• Open the Smart Cover
• Hit “Cancel” at the bottom of the screen (to cancel the shutdown)

This would leave you wherever the iPad 2 was prior to being locked. Now this leaves you where you still need to enter your passcode.

Good to see that vulnerability eliminated fairly quickly.