iPhones are some of the most secure smartphones out there: Apple is known to pay extra attention to security when designing their devices and developing software. However, you should never rely on Apple alone to fully protect your iPhone data. In this article, you’ll learn 5 easy but crazy important cybersecurity tips for your iPhone. Following them will add a solid extra layer of protection to any piece of information you store on your phone. Let’s jump right in!
1. Download cybersecurity apps
All iPhones come with built-in security software. iOS is one of the most secure operating systems available, but it’s certainly not perfect. For example, your iPhone won’t protect you if you connect to unencrypted wifi and end up getting hacked. To avoid getting your data stolen, download a VPN. A VPN is a cybersecurity tool that will keep your data encrypted no matter the network you connect to.
Another handy tool to download is an iOS password manager. This is a special program that will keep all of your passwords safe and locked behind heavy encryption. Using a separate password manager for your iPhone is always a better choice than using the built-in one because it offers more security and can be accessed from any device at any time, not just your iPhone or other Apple device.
2. Enable automatic updates and backups
Software updates often contain important security fixes. Without downloading these updates, your device is exposed to system vulnerabilities that hackers can always exploit. Also, to keep all of your data (including years’ worth of memorable photos) safe no matter what happens to your device, you must always have an updated backup.
Most people forget about or postpone updating their software and backup. Setting automatic updates will make your life much easier and your device much more secure.
3. Use 2FA for your Apple ID
Your Apple ID is the key to all of your personal data stored across your Apple devices. You need to keep that information as safe as possible. Using a strong password is the first step to take in achieving so, but 2FA is also crucial if you want to really set your Apple ID’s security in stone. It will ensure that no outsider can access your Apple account.
Your iPhone likely already has 2FA set up, but it won’t hurt to check for sure. Go to settings > tap on your name at the top > Password & Security > Two-Factor Authentication. Make sure that it says “on”. Once 2FA is enabled, nobody will be able to log into your Apple account without confirming your identity through one of your registered devices.
4. Always use auto-lock
Auto-lock should always be turned on, and it should be set to a period as short as possible. Sure, it can be annoying to constantly tap your screen when you’re trying to focus on a picture or screenshot you have turned on. But imagine if you accidentally leave your phone somewhere like a bench and it’s turned on? Your phone will just be sitting there for hours waiting for any random person to come up and steal it, along with all of your data. Security should always come first, so make sure that auto-lock is set up at all times.
5. Check app permissions
Many apps ask you to track your location or access your camera or microphone. These settings are usually aimed at creating a more convenient user experience, but you should never blindly give permission to anything. If an app requires your location and can’t function without it, set it to track only when you’re using the app.
Check all permissions that you’ve given apps and make adjustments accordingly. Delete the apps that track your location if you don’t use them anymore. Turn off location tracking for apps that you don’t think need to know your location. Same goes for all other permissions, such as camera or microphone access.
Final thoughts
There are many extra steps you can take to make your iPhone experience as safe as possible. Never blindly trust any app or website to protect your data, and never assume that your phone won’t get stolen and your data leaked. Of course, cybersecurity shouldn’t be the only thing you think about, but you should occasionally review the security of your iPhone and think about whether you’re making any mistakes. If you follow the 5 tips discussed in this article, your iPhone data will be as safe as ever from hackers.