From pictures to texts to important emails, there are likely a lot of things on your iPhone that you don’t want others to see. When we think of protecting our information from online hackers, we tend to think of our computers. However, your iPhone is just as vulnerable as your computer. So, what can you do to protect it from hackers? Check out this guide on iPhone security to discover the top tips to keep your information safe.
1. Turn USB Restricted Mode On
USB restricted mode is a relatively new iPhone feature that you may not know about yet. This feature makes it so USB accessories that are plugged into your device can’t make data connections with your iPhone and other Apple devices.
This helps prevent what is known as “juice jacking“, which is when someone can install malware on your device or information can be stolen from your device via a USB charging port.
To turn the USB restricted mode on, you first need to go to your Settings. Then, click on Touch ID and Passcode, and from there you’ll need to type in your passcode. Then, scroll down and make sure that the setting that says “USB accessories aren’t permitted on the lock screen” is turned off.
2. Use the Enable My iPhone Feature
Apple comes with a built-in tracking software known as Find My iPhone. This software uses GPS to locate a lost or stolen phone.
In addition to helping you find your phone, this feature also uses built-in security features such as Activation Lock. This feature prevents anyone else from using your iPhone, and to gain access, they’ll need your password and Apple ID.
Without this info, no one will be able to turn off the Find My iPhone feature, erase your device, or turn your device off and reactivate it.
To make sure this feature is up and running, here’s what you need to do:
- Go to Settings and click User Name and then iCloud
- Scroll to the bottom and click Find My iPhone
- Toggle to “turn on Find My iPhone”
- If prompted, enter your Apple ID
This is a great way to keep your phone protected in the event someone steals it.
3. Turn On Automatic iOS Updates
Apple is constantly coming out with new updates that help ensure the security of your device. To make sure your device has the best security possible, you need to make sure you’re updating your apps and operating systems on a consistent basis.
Not only does updating add some cool new features, but it also addresses something known as software vulnerability. A software vulnerability is a weakness or hole in security in a software program or operating system.
Hackers can write a code to target this specific vulnerability. If no action is taken on your part, then you leave your device susceptible to these hackers.
This is why you need to make sure your iPhone is automatically updating, To do this, you need to go to your Settings and then click General and Software Update. Then, turn on automatic updates and you’ll be good to go.
4. Disable Lock Screen Options
The lock screen on your iPhone has something that’s known as widgets. These widgets allow you to quickly access certain features such as your camera, WiFi settings, Bluetooth settings, and wallet.
While clicking on a widget doesn’t give someone full access to your device, it can allow someone to discover some of your personal information. To prevent this from happening, all you need to do is disable your lock screen.
To do this, go to your Settings and click on the Control Center. Then, toggle off the widgets that you don’t want to appear on your lock screen.
5. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your phone.
In addition to your passcode, 2FA requires a second form of identity verification. The other method of identification may include a:
- Form of biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or voiceprint
- Credit card, ATM card, or some type of security token such as a key fob
- Password, pin, or some other pattern
To set up two-factor authentication, go to your Settings and tap your name. Then, click on Password & Security, then click on “Turn on Two Factor Authentication” and follow the prompts.
6. Use Face ID or Touch ID
In addition to setting up a strong passcode and two-factor authentication, you can also bolster your protection by enabling both Face ID and Touch ID.
To set up both of these, go to your Settings and click on Face ID and Passcode. If prompted, enter your passcode. Next, tap “set up face ID” and then follow the on-screen instructions.
7. Make Sure Your Screen Locks Quickly
The quicker your screen locks, the less time someone will have to grab your phone and access your information.
To keep your phone as secure as possible, we suggest setting “Require Password” to Immediately. This means that every time you open your phone, you’ll need to enter your password.
To set it to Immediately, go to your Settings and click on the General button. Then, hit Auto-lock and you’ll be good to go.
8. Use Additional Encryption When Backing Up Your Device
You likely have sensitive data on your phone that you want to keep a copy of and protect.
When backing up your devices, the best thing to do is to connect them to your computer and use iTunes. To keep your data protected, you need to make sure your iTunes is set up to encrypt the data you’re backing up.
To do this, open your iTunes when connecting your device to your computer. Then, select your device from the iTunes drop-down menu and in the Backups section, check the box that says “Encrypt iPhone Backup”. From there, you’ll be asked to create a passcode.
iPhone Security: Are You Ready to Protect Your iPhone?
Now that you’ve read these iPhone security tips, it’s time to put them into action so you can keep your information safe.
Also, be sure to check out this post on what to do if your iPhone won’t charge.
