Apple products have always been known for being reliable and secure. Many users choose iPhone over Android based on the advanced security and privacy features. Apple constantly updates the operating system to fix any bugs and vulnerabilities and also releases new iOS every year.
These measures ensure that your devices stay protected with the newest security updates. However, cybercriminals also get more and more creative with ways to infect or hack your smartphone. That is why the following recommendations on how to secure your iPhone boosts the protection of the device.
1. Check Privacy Settings
You can easily access and see all privacy settings set for each app on your phone. This is useful when you want to ensure that apps can’t access unneeded data. It is also a good idea to audit the privacy settings if you have many apps that you rarely use or you don’t remember installing.
Unwanted apps can expose you to a security risk, drain your battery, take up disk space, and slow down your phone. They can also create privacy concerns if the privacy policy changes and you didn’t agree to new terms and conditions.
To open privacy settings on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Privacy
In this window, you can see the list of all permissions you gave access to each application. Make sure to periodically monitor the settings to react to any changes and revoke permissions you are uncomfortable with. This also ensures that no iPhone spyware is installed on your device.
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2. Set up automatic iOS updates
It is essential to update your applications and operating systems to ensure the security of the iPhone. Besides getting new features and better interfaces, they also address security risks and software and system vulnerabilities. This means that updates patch any found security holes and weaknesses.
Cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities to hack into the system, infiltrate it with malicious code and compromise your device. Users usually notice strange changes on the iPhone by accident, so you could be unaware of such actions for quite a long time. Turning on automatic updates ensures you get all the newest patches immediately.
To set automatic updates on iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General
- Choose Software Updates
- Click on Automatic updates
- Make sure all three toggles are turned on.
3. Enable VPN When Using Public Wi-Fi
Today’s technology allows us to stay online wherever we go. Almost any public place like a cafe, bus station, or even museum has Wi-Fi spots guests are free to use. Although this is very convenient, public Wi-Fi can pose serious security risks. Usually, these networks lack security and use weak encryption protocols, making it easy for hackers to exploit them.
A virtual private network provides a secure and private Internet connection, regardless of location. It creates a secure encrypted tunnel that allows one to send and receive data without the risks of interception. Choosing among popular VPN service providers like NordVPN, Clario, and Surshark can be hard, so you should check the reviews before making the final decision.
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4. Use the Find My iPhone Feature
Find My iPhone is software developed by Apple that utilizes GPS to track a misplaced or stolen phone. Apart from assisting in searching for a lost phone, it also incorporates other security functions such as Activation Lock. This feature prevents the use of the iPhone until the owner’s Apple ID and password is used to unlock the phone.
Find My iPhone secures your device by preventing unauthorized access. No one can erase, reactivate, unlock, or use your device without the correct credentials. This means that all personal data is protected and can’t be stolen even if you lose your iPhone.
How to set up the Find My iPhone:
- Go to Settings > User Name
- Choose Find My
- Click on Find My iPhone, then use a toggle near Find My iPhone.
To locate your misplaced device on a map, ensure that Location Services is enabled and you are logged in with your AppleID.
5. Use Strong Passwords
Creating strong and complex passwords is one of the essential security steps that should be implied on all devices, and iPhone is no exception. Always opt for secure passwords when creating accounts in downloaded apps or use the built-in password generator.
You can also strengthen the passcode that is used to unlock your phone. By default, the system requires a four-character numeric passcode. But it can be changed to an alphanumeric one in the settings.
How to use a stronger passcode:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- Type in your current passcode
- Scroll down and click on Change Passcode
- Enter your passcode once again
- Click on Passcode Options below
- Select Custom Alphanumeric Code
- Set up a new passcode which can now consist of letters and numbers.
The new passcode can consist of up to 34 characters, so you can create a complex password that is easy to remember. Keep in mind that you need to enter it every time you log in to your iPhone without Face ID or Touch ID, so it is best not to make it at most ten characters long.
Related: How to Put iPhone 14 in Recovery Mode Or DFU Mode
Conclusion
Even owners of the most secure devices can fall victim to a cyberattack. Security updates and patches from the vendors are helpful, but they can’t completely bulletproof your smartphone. That is why following tips on protecting your iPhone is a great way to minimize risks. Even a few extra steps can significantly improve the security of your device.
