How to make your iPhone even more secure – Guide
Just because you’ve invested in a smartphone that isn’t as vulnerable to malware and exploit issues as an Android device, doesn’t mean you can safely ignore iPhone security best practices. By siphoning off user data, Apple has become more relentless in protecting user privacy and security. For those who prioritize the security of personal information above all else, there has never been a better time to make the switch to iOS. With a series of notable measures, Apple has improved the security and privacy of the iPhone. So data trackers no longer have free rein. Also, they should make it clear why they are tracking and what kind of information they have collected. If you’re new to iOS/iPadOS or have been pushing the Apple ecosystem for years, these are the best. tips to make your iPhone and iPad more safe and secure :updated. Of course, you may already know some tricks but I bet there are some features you may not have come across. If you are an iPhone user, you probably already know that you have a smartphone that is quite strict when it comes to operating system security. There are a few mishaps every now and then, like when the new iPhone 11 came out of the box with a confirmed security flaw.
How to keep your iPhone safe
Use a strong password instead of a 4-digit code
The simplest and most efficient way to protect your data is to use a strong password instead of a simple 4-digit PIN code to unlock your iPhone. It’s a good idea to use a combination of letters, digits, and symbols. It’s even better if the password is asked immediately after the lock screen, without delay. As an extra option, you can also enable the “wipe data” option feature on, so that the device clears everything from its memory after 10 failed password attempts. But remember that all data will be erased forever and you will not be able to recover it, so it is better not to forget your password. How will this help? This will reduce the chances of a criminal guessing your password. Where can you set these requirements? Go to “Settings” –> “Password” (or “Touch ID & Password”) –> “Require password: immediately”; “Simple password: off”.
Turn off lock screen notifications
Any password, even the strongest, will not prevent your data from being revealed if it appears on a lock screen. Messages, emails and other information in your apps may contain some sensitive data like confirmation codes, private appointments, financial data etc. The less your iPhone appears on the lock screen, the more secure your data is. How will this help? Will not allow strangers to supervise the information they show up on a lock screen. Where can you set these requirements? Go to “Settings” -> “Password” (or “Touch ID & Password”) -> “Allow access when locked” section.
Enable 2-Step Verification for Apple ID and iCloud
One lock is good, but two is better. That’s why we highly recommend that you set up 2-Step Verification whenever available for Apple ID and iCloud. when you set up two-step verification, you register one or more trusted devices (devices you control) that can receive 4-digit verification codes using SMS or the Find My iPhone service. So, whenever you sign in to manage your Apple ID, sign in to iCloud, or make an iTunes, iBooks or App Store purchase from a new device, you will need to verify your identity by entering your password and a 4-digit Verification Code. How will this help? This will prevent your Apple account from being used by an unauthorized person. Where can you set these requirements? Go to https://appleid.apple.com –> “Manage your Apple ID” –> “Password & Security” –> “2-Step Verification”.
Disable Siri on a Lock Screen
Siri is a great Phone feature, but sometimes that good personal assistant can give you some information that you prefer to keep private. It’s not necessary to turn it off completely, but you’ll be much safer if you prevent it from being activated from a lock screen or a “Hey Siri” voice command. Don’t forget: Siri can communicate with anyone, not just the owner of the device it works on. How will this help? This will eliminate the possibility of extracting data from the smartphone using Siri. Where can you set these requirements? Go to “Settings” -> “Password” (or “Touch ID & Password”) -> “Allow access when locked” section -> “Siri: off” and “Settings” -> “General” -> “Siri” – > “Allow “Hey Siri”: off”.
Disable automatic syncing with iCloud
As you may know, many photos from a recent leak were originally stored on Apple’s iCloud servers, which drove many celebrities crazy. They thought that deleting a photo from a phone would solve the problem, but no: after syncing with the “cloud”, the data remains there even if you delete it locally. In fact, this happens with almost all types of data, whether we’re talking iPhones and iCloud: messages, notes, contacts, documents – everything syncs automatically unless you turn it off. And that’s what we recommend, especially if you only have a few Apple devices and don’t need to sync them daily. How will this help? This will reduce the risk of compromising your data while it is on iCloud servers or if you lose one of your Apple devices. Where can you set these requirements? Go to “Settings” -> “iCloud”.
Discard automatic WiFi connections to known networks
iPhones have a very good feature which allows you to automatically connect to known WiFi hotspots without your permission. On the one hand, this is a very useful option, as you don’t have to do anything to change your mobile Internet for local WiFi. But on the other hand, there is a chance that a cybercriminal will establish his own fake wireless network with the same name as a trusted public hotspot. In this scenario, you may not even recognize that your iPhone is running on the malicious WiFi network, handing over all your data to the scammer. That’s why we recommend that you are very aware of any WiFi hotspots you are on or disable this option. How will this help? This will reduce the risk of connecting to a malicious wireless network. Where can you set these requirements? Go to “Settings” -> “Wi-Fi” -> “Ask to Join Networks: On”.
Get used to VPN
We talk about VPN quite often on this blog. A Virtual Private Network is an indispensable tool that can bring extra security to everyone who uses an iPhone on different wireless networks, including unknown ones. Some VPN services are free, some are not, but several dollars a week is more than a fair price to keep your data safe. How will this help? It will encrypt all incoming and outgoing internet traffic, making interception and analysis useless. Where can you set these requirements? Go to “Settings” -> “General” -> “VPN” -> “Add VPN Configuration…”.
Disable cookies in your browsers
Cookies are small files that almost any website generates and leaves on your device. They may contain some information about you, your computer or smartphone, and your preferences. It helps websites keep you logged in or show you some relevant content including advertisements but in some cases they can be very useful for cyber criminals as they can contain credentials and other sensitive data. To be honest, disabling cookies can bring more stress than relief, but it helps your data stay more secure. Also, some discomfort is not the biggest price you have to pay for data protection. How will this help? This will reduce the risk of unauthorized use of your login details and some other private information stored in cookie files. Where can you set these requirements? For Safari: Go to “Settings” -> “Safari” -> “Privacy & Security” section -> “Do Not Track: On”, “Block Cookies: Always Block”; For third-party browsers: see similar browser settings.
Disable the AutoFill option in your browsers
The same goes for the autocomplete option: if someone gets your iPhone, chances are they can log in as you on multiple websites. You don’t want that to happen, do you? Then turn it off! Again, you will experience some inconveniences, but it’s worth it. How will this help? This will reduce the risk of someone logging into websites with your credentials when your iPhone is stolen or given to someone else. Where can you set these requirements? For Safari: Go to “Settings” -> “Safari” -> “General” section -> “Passwords and Autofill”; For third-party browsers: see similar browser settings.
Final note
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