iPhones are full of the information you don’t other people to have, and the company actually isn’t the best when it comes to protecting that information. You need to take your own steps to make sure that your security is secure against theft. There are many ways to do this, but using just some simple tips will help you take your phone from insecure to protected. Furthermore, with Apple’s new iOS 12, the latest software has many new security features you should be taking advantage of.
Create an Alphanumeric Passcode
A basic layer of security that you should be aware of is your password. It should be both complex and something you don’t use elsewhere. Combining numbers and letters to make an alphanumeric passcode will also be another layer of defense. You can also make the most out of the Touch and Face ID to prevent people from gaining unauthorized access to your data and information. While Apple isn’t the best about security, their Face ID software is actually some of the most advanced and secure.
Disabled Access
On your iPhone, each application has its own access to specific functions and data on your phone. Any iPhone user can sneak into your phone and get information through the control center. This is why you should disable certain functions and access to specific applications. For example, your phone can access your microphone and camera through apps like Instagram. If you have Siri enabled on the lock screen, someone could ask questions and give commands to it in order to secure information. Disabling notification, control center, and Siri from interacting with your personal data will help you protect yourself against hackers.
Clear your History
Another basic but extremely important thing is to clear your history. This can help keep your personal information safe and prohibit hackers from finding things about you through your web history. Deleting cookies will also help prevent savvy and maleficent people from getting access to your phone. Be sure to take advantage of incognito and private modes as well.
Keep iOS Updated
You should also make sure that you are always running the most recent version of iOS, including smaller point updates. Hackers can find flaws in Apple’s coding, which they exploit and provide access to personal information. While they aren’t perfect, updating your system can be a great way to close loopholes and establish a secure phone system. Not only will you get the benefits of the company closing imperfections in the software, they actually add new security features that are getting better and better to combat hackers’ evolving set of tools.
Use USB Restricted Mode
While this feature is difficult to find, the new USB restricted mode prevents accessories from connecting to your device. These include cables and headphones. When your iPhone has been locked for more than an hour, the iPhone will prevent hackers and police from using tools to bypass your lock screen to get to your password and data.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
One of the best ways to keep your account safe is to use two-factor authentication. When someone steals your password, they will also need your phone to break into the account. While it has been on iPhones for a while, it has been inefficient and nonsensical. With iOS 12, a new feature auto-fills the codes and takes the frustration out of having to memorize the whole thing.
Insuring your Phone
There are now many ways to protect your phone, but according to MoneyPug, a site used to find the best mobile phone insurance, hacking techniques are evolving all the time. It is still advisable to get insurance for it so that you never get hacked or get your information stolen. Nothing can be guaranteed safe, the more layers of defenses you have the better off you will be. Insurance is just another layer.
If you pay attention to simple things like your settings, history, and the newest features, you will be able to protect yourself from hackers and identity thieves. Keeping up to date is half the battle. Understand where the threat is coming from and you will be that much better off defending against it. Do yourself a favor and secure your iPhone today. You won’t regret it, especially if you are attacked.