In this world almost managed by phones, it’s not new for you to put a lot of information on your devices. From your personal information, photos, and documents, to your financial information and credentials.
You put a lot of sensitive pieces of information into your devices, even into the internet. Thus, securing your phone is very vital. So how do you protect yourself both offline and online? You can follow these tips for better iPhone security.
1. Utilize a strong password instead of a four-digit passcode
The most basic and efficient way to secure your data is by making use of a strong password instead of a simple 4-digit PIN code for unlocking your phone. Using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols is a great idea for a strong password. Requesting a password immediately after the lock screen without any delay is better.
For an extra security option, you can also turn on the “erase data” feature. So if someone failed with 10 attempts of entering your password, the device will wipe everything from its memory after. It will reduce the chances for strangers to guess your password and be able to open your device. But remember that all of the data will be gone forever and you won’t be able to recover it, so you better not forget your password.
2. Turn off lock screen notifications
Even if your phone has a strong password, but your notifications are turned on on the lock screen it can still reveal some of your information. Those notifications could contain confirmation codes, private appointments, financial data, or such. These sensitive data in your apps should be protected. So turn your notifications off. This will prevent strangers from seeing your information and make your data safer.
3. Make use of two-step verification for Apple ID and iCloud
Two heads are better than one, right? That’s why setting up two-step verification is highly recommended if it’s available for Apple ID and iCloud. This may have to use another device that you also control to send a 4-digit code and verify your identity.
You’ll have to enter both your password and the 4-digit code. In this way, it will prevent your Apple account from being accessed by someone unauthorized. You can set this feature by going to Apple ID login > “Manage your Apple ID” > “Password and Security” > “Two-Step Verification.”
4. Disable Siri lock screen access
Accessing Siri is just one step away and so convenient, but anybody can also use Siri on a lock screen other than the owner. So sometimes this amusing personal assistant can give away some of your information that you might prefer to keep confidential. Hence, you will be much more secure if you prevent it from activating from the lock screen or on a “Hey Siri” voice command.
5. Turn off automatic sync to iCloud
Even if you’ve deleted your photos or other files on your device, it actually hasn’t been deleted if you synced your phone to iCloud for the data to stay there. Everything syncs automatically unless you turn it off. This will reduce the risk of compromising your data while it’s on the iCloud servers, or if you ever lose your device.
6. Discard automatic WiFi connections to known networks
iPhones have features that allow your device to automatically connect to known WiFI hotspots even without your permission. At the same time, it’s a very convenient option because you don’t have to do it manually. But contrariwise, this feature might lure your phone to a fake or malicious WiFi network giving away your information to the scammers. So to avoid this scenario, either be attentive with every WiFi hotspot you encounter or turn it off.
7. Use VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can bring extra security to different wireless networks, including unknown ones. Some VPNs are free of charge and some aren’t. This encrypts all incoming and outcoming Internet traffic making it useless to intercept and analyze.
8. Turn off cookies
These are small files that any website generates and leaves on your device. They may contain some information about you that helps websites keep you logged in, and show you some relevant content, and ads. Consequently, these could expose your credentials and sensitive data to cybercriminals. Turning off cookies could give you more stress than relief though. This will lessen the risk of unauthorized use of your login data and some other private information stored in cookie files.
9. Turn off the AutoFill option in your browsers
Yes, the AutoFill option is helpful and convenient. But it can compromise your credentials. So it’s better to turn off this feature. You may have to fill it in manually, but it will minimize the chance of someone logging into websites with your credentials.
10. Don’t let apps access your data
This tip might be quite a nuisance, but some apps ask for access that sounds quite non-secure too. You probably won’t be able to use some of the apps that you have. At least it will give you more confidence in not exposing your information.
Some of these tips may deprive you of your iPhone experience. But at the same time, it will better protect your private data. You can follow only some of the tips above, it’s your choice which features to sacrifice for better security. We here at More than a fix can help you recover your phones data. Get a free estimate now!
