Tech Experts?

One day my iPad took it upon itself to download a new system. The funny thing is, there is no update for it's system (antiquated quickly). It's my suspicion that it was a hacker because now i'm locked out of my iPad - unless i type in my iCloud password.

So 1. it downloaded itself, and 2. it wants my password.
Would it be safe for me to enter the password if i have my desktop computer set up to change it quickly? It's the only solution i can think of. Even just an opinion might be helpul.

Thanks. 

1. I would turn off your modem so it cannot access the internet before attempting anything.

2. It would be safer to have an apple authorized person check and see if they can recover the existing system as any other method you will loose everything.

3 . You may need someone to reinstall the system, in which case you will loose everything unless they can grab a folder or two... but they will charge you for that as well.

4. Be careful in connecting the laptop as you may end up infecting it as well.
Safest is have a tech save your personal folders, wipe the entire thing and reinstall a replacement system.

Windows tablets are very very difficult to repair and they too usually loose everything in the process.
Apple is no different.

I hope you don't loose too much important data.

Suggest a small external drive stick to back up to every so often.. use a software to do it that will only save changes to files and add the new also.

Good luck!

Jem,
one question not asked.. did your Apple tablet back up it's system to the cloud?
I all of my Toshiba Windows 8 tablets had the function to.. and I have reinstalled one from there before... Just thinking that may be why the Password request.

A thought before you do try that password... move everything on the cloud to a folder on your computer for safekeeping temporarily... so nothing is present in the cloud except a back-up system if it exists, leave it there ... check around Apple's web site to see if there is info for doing reinstall... if not, maybe then try the password.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201263
If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
======================================================
https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/restore-ipad-ipad9a74c804/ios
Restore iPad
You can restore content and settings from a backup, or restore iPad to factory settings.
If you’re asked to enter your passcode and you’ve forgotten it, see Reset the passcode. If you’re asked to enter your Apple ID password and you’ve forgotten it, see the Recover your Apple ID website.

Erase then restore iPad from a backup

Important: You must first create a backup of your iPad. See Back up iPad using iCloud or iTunes.

1. Go to Settings  > General > Reset.
   
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
   
3. Follow the setup assistant when iPad restarts.
   The setup assistant gives you the option to restore iPad from an iCloud or iTunes backup. (See Turn on and set up iPad.)
   

=========================================
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204184
Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup
Learn how to restore your device from a backup in iCloud or iTunes. 

Wow! Thank you so much Spring! Those are great ideas

Thanks, seems I did a lot of repeating.

But now I think the removal of all personal type files from the cloud to the computer to be safe is good.

Leave what may look like a back up of the tablet system. Then try the password on the tablet when it asks.. Apple does make a lot of hard things simple and it may just work.

My Toshiba tablet was about that simple except that I had to select what I wanted to do and then the location, wasn't hard just a few steps.

Let me US know how it goes.