A mere month after its release, Apple’s iPad can now easily be “jailbroken” using readily available tools. The jailbreaking process became popular as a way for users to hack their own iPhones in order to control previously limited aspects of the device such as home screen backgrounds, installation of third party apps and modem tethering to PCs. Although the jailbreak process essentially voids the device’s warranty, some users will prefer the added tweak-ability of their jailbroken iPads to Apple’s proprietary software.

For those willing to accept the risks, the process can be completed relatively quickly and easily. As reported on ReadWriteWeb, the jailbreak is completed using a freeware tool called “Spirit,” which loads the iPad with modified firmware and a program called “Cydia”, which enables access to a bevy of downloadable tweaks and programs. Once the jailbreak is performed, the device can be restored to factory settings via iTunes, effectively removing any trace of the process.

However, while a jailbroken device offers a wider range of customization and access to previously unusable applications, there are serious security concerns when running this kind of system modification. As we have previously reported, jailbroken iPhones have been targeted by malicious hackers and viruses that put private user data–banking passwords, SMS messages–at risk.