It is very likely that you have already heard the term ‘cybersecurity’ by now. And it’s more important than ever. Unfortunately, the frequency of cybercrimes is relentlessly rising, and the only way to stop it is to learn about the types of hacking and how to prevent them.
If a decade ago the chances of being hacked were fairly limited, now it’s a matter of time until the hackers decide to steal your valuable information.
However, the good news is that it’s possible to keep yourself and your devices away from prying eyes. Below we’ve listed our top iOS security tips to protect yourself immediately.
Use a VPN
Always use a VPN when connecting to the internet, no matter where you go, even when you’re at home. A VPN protects your devices from hacking by encrypting your browser history. This way, you’ll be sure that no hacker will be able to steal your sensitive information.
Also, a VPN comes in handy when you want to bypass geo-restrictions. For example, if you are traveling and want to watch your usual TV shows that are not available in a current country, just simply connect to a USA VPN, and you’re ready to go.
Strong Password Is A Must
Yes, cybersecurity is not that complicated. One of the main tips on securing your iOS is to use strong and different passwords for each account. While it’s not 100% protecting you from hackers, this way, you’re giving them a hard riddle that is almost impossible to solve.
Your passwords should be lengthy, with symbols, numbers, and uppercase letters. Never pick an easy one, such as “qwerty,” as hackers can break these passwords in minutes. The first defense you have is a solid password.
Enable Two-factor Authentication
Once you’re done with a strong and lengthy password, another great way to secure your accounts is to enable two-factor authentication on them. Two-factor authentication ensures that you’re the only one who can access any of your accounts, keeping hackers away from your personal information.
Two-factor authentication works in a pretty simple way. It’s a method that requires the user to provide two or more authentication factors by entering a one-time pin-code sent to a user’s external account, such as an email or SMS. The great thing about this verification method is that it’s the most effective way to prevent cybercriminals from hacking your iPhone, and it doesn’t take that much time to do it.
Keep Your Software Up To Date
It’s common for iPhone and iPad users not to update their software regularly. However, not updating software is the easiest way for a hacker to hack. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for outdated software, as it usually has some vulnerabilities that they can take advantage of. And that guarantees them quick access to your devices. That’s why always make sure that all of your software is up to date.
Be Wary of Suspicious Apps
Today, the Apple Store has more than 2 million apps available to download. But are all of them really safe? The simple answer is no. Although Apple is always on the hunt to get rid of malicious apps, they’re not that successful. The App Store is littered with malicious Apps, and most of the time, it’s hard to tell them apart.
That is why you should be aware of downloading an app that contains viruses. Before downloading, read reviews online, look out for any grammatical or spelling mistakes, and if not sure, contact Apple’s support for clarification.
Know the Risks of Public WI-FI
In this ever-moving world, we are used to finding public Wi-Fi almost everywhere. And it is indeed a great tool, especially if you’re traveling or freelancing at your favorite café. Unfortunately, our love for public Wi-Fi also made them really dangerous. Cybercriminals took advantage of public connections and filled them with never-ending malware to access your personal information.
So, always be aware of public Wi-Fi; it may do more harm than good. If possible, try to avoid using public Wi-Fi whatsoever. However, if you’re obligated to use one, always make sure that your VPN connection is enabled. This will also stop hackers from spying on you.
Don’t Click On Unknown Links
Yes, even clicking unknown links may be dangerous. Even though not all links contain malware, the occasional one will be. If you’re unsure where the link came from, never click on it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?
Links with malware can severely damage your iPhone or iPad, as well as steal your personal information, such as passwords or bank credentials. That’s why avoid clicking suspicious links and only open ones that are sent by the people you know.
