Apple is known for keeping the safety and privacy of its users on top with every device they launch on the market. The iOS operating system is deemed to be extremely efficient in terms of security, and that’s one of the reasons why so many people make the switch from Android devices to iPhone.
However, if you plan to purchase an iPhone or you’re already using one, you shouldn’t automatically assume that you’re completely covered safety wise. Although iPhones tend to be better at keeping your personal data and info safe, it doesn’t mean they are completely risk-free. Just like any other system out there, iOS isn’t flawless. Hackers and cybercriminals can take advantage of its weak points to gain access to your sensitive data and you might not even be aware of it.
Fortunately, you can keep most of these threats at bay, if you act smart and take a few easy steps to enhance the security of your iPhone. So, we’re going to show you some very simple and effective tricks that will help you enjoy better security on your iPhone and give you peace of mind.
Security risks iPhone users should be aware of
Before we get into the topic, we should start by listing the risks users are exposed to if they ignore the security of their devices. Once you understand what potential hazards you’re up against, you can start taking the necessary measures to minimize or eliminate them altogether.
Hackers and cybercriminals
One of the most prevalent security threats out there are represented by hackers and cybercriminals. Unfortunately, there are many brilliant minds who use their knowledge and skills to access your iPhone and spy on your every move. Usually, hackers can do this by tricking the permission settings on your iPhone and using apps that can grant them access to different features of your devices.
Data harvesting
Even if your iPhone’s security has not been compromised by hackers or malware, there are still dangers lurking in the shadows. You use different apps every day, without thinking they might represent a potential privacy hazard, but they do. Those apps as well as your internet service provider can collect data every time you use them or browse the internet. Then they can sell your data to third-party data brokers or agencies that use them as they see fit. So, you can expect more targeted advertising coming your way or agencies running background checks on you that can affect you in negative ways.
Device theft
Not all risks are tech-related. Misplacing or having your iPhone stolen from you can put your personal data at risk as well. Sure, there are passcodes and fingerprint authentication to keep intruders from accessing your phone in case it gets lost or stolen, but will that be enough to protect you? There are ways to bypass these security measures, and then all your sensitive information will be exposed.
These threats are quite common and no one is truly immune to them. While you can’t control what other entities in the digital world can do, you can at least educate yourself on safety features and learn how to offset risks. And if you’ve been affected by a data breach, there are plenty of resources on the internet that can teach you how to claim data protection breach compensation.
Best tips to enhance security on your iPhone
Maybe you’re one of those happy-go-lucky people who’ll never deal with any of the above-mentioned scenarios. But should you really leave it up to chance? We advise not to. Learning how to boost your iPhone’s security is a much better option in our opinion. Here’s what you should do.
Keep your iPhone up to date
While hackers and cybercriminals are busy trying to find flaws in iOS’ armor, Apple is busy looking for ways to fix these shortcomings and improve security on their devices. You can benefit from all the advancements they make by installing iPhone updates regularly. To make sure you are using the latest version of iOS, go to Settings, tap General and then Software Updates. If an update is available, you can download it and install it quick and easy.
Activate Find My iPhone
The easiest way to know where your iPhone is at all times and keep it safe is to enable the Find My iPhone feature. If your iPhone gets lost or stolen, this feature allows you to locate your phone from another Apple device and manage your personal data remotely. So even if your iPhone falls into the wrong hands, you can still keep intruders from gaining access to your personal information.
Create stronger passcodes
If your passcode is 123456, you’re really walking on thin ice security wise. Anyone can guess these passcodes and browse freely through your iPhone. Creating stronger passcodes is the golden rule for improving iPhone security. For starters, you should choose a passcode that is eight or ten digits long. Consider using both numbers and letters, and make sure it’s not something predictable. But don’t stop there. Even the strongest passcode can be cracked, so take things one step further and enable two- factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your iPhone.
You can set this up for individual accounts or for all accounts at once. 2fa software is great for protecting your personal information from hackers since it makes it much more difficult for them to gain access. It’s especially useful if you have access to sensitive data that could impact someone else’s life.
Clear your history
Don’t want anyone to find out how you spend your time on the internet? Then clearing your browsing history should become a habit. Although automatic suggestions can make your life easier when you want to access certain websites, they’re not very security-friendly, as people can get hold of your search history and use it to their advantage. It’s much safer to have it cleared on a regular basis or browse the web on incognito mode.
Use a VPN
A VPN is one of your strongest allies when you need extra protection and privacy on your iPhone. A good VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your data from prying eyes and keeping your identity private. You can also use a VPN to access geo-blocked content, regardless of your physical location. But make sure you choose a reputable VPN provider and a plan that will suit your needs.
