Mobile devices have become an essential part of our everyday lives. From communication to entertainment, we depend on them to meet our daily needs. However, these devices come with a price of security threats. In this story, we will discuss the security and privacy features of iOS and the measures we can take to protect our mobile devices from everyday threats.
iOS is known for its strong security and privacy measures. Apple's tight control over App Store ensures that users can trust the apps they download. With a closed ecosystem that provides better security conditions, Apple also allows older devices to continue to be updated by continuously receiving improvements to the operating system, whether or not they are security updates. Additionally, the restrictions on root access reduce the need for iOS antivirus software, making it almost impossible to create an antivirus, but also reducing the need for one. However, this doesn't make iOS invulnerable to malware attacks. If Apple misses any vulnerabilities or makes undesirable security choices, users may have little control over the situation.
“Overall, while iOS offers good security, users should be aware of potential risks.”
iOS provides consistency and reliability, which means you know what you are getting. However, it is not completely protected from malware, and it is heavily dependent on Apple’s security practices. While Apple products are generally priced higher than Android, they don't guarantee 100% security and are still vulnerable to malware and hacking.
1. Allow Apps to Track Your Location Only Once
No more continuous location tracking in the background. In contrast to previous circumstances, now you can allow apps to access your location only once. So, next time they need to have your location data, they must ask for your permission. That’s not all, apps come clean with the reason why they need your location data.
2. Remove Location Data from Photos and Videos
For all social media enthusiasts or anyone who likes sharing their photos and videos all over the internet, this one is a must-have feature. It offers an upfront way to remove geotags from images so that no one can figure out where photos have been taken.
3. Get Location Alerts
Features like “Location Alerts” keep you fully aware of what is happening with your data. Thus, you have more command over your privacy. When you allow an app to track your location, Apple keeps you in the loop through alerts showing the map data that the app has picked up and it also provides the reason for that.
4. Manage Location Services
Learn to say “No” to any app that asks for location access on your iOS device. This feature will drain the battery and processor of your iOS devices.
5. Create Alphanumeric Passwords
One of the first layers of safeguard that can go a long with protecting your device is the Alphanumeric Password. The combo of letters and numbers makes it robust. Besides that, make the most of Touch or Face ID to prevent unauthorized access to your data.
6. Disable Notification, Control Center & Siri on Lock Screen
On the lock screen of your iPhone, anybody can go to Control Center and gain access to Flash, Camera, Airplane Mode, Bluetooth, etc. Besides that, the Notification Center gives easy access to messages and updates. Also, if Siri is enabled on the lock screen, anyone can ask questions and give commands to Siri to get some information. To avoid these situations, you should disable Notification & Control Center and Siri from the lock screen of your iPhone.
Settings → Tap Face ID (or Touch ID) and Passcode → Enter your passcode if prompted → Scroll down and turn off the switch next to Notification, Control Center & Siri.
7. Disable Siri Suggestions on the Lock Screen
With iOS 12, Siri Suggestions is on your Lock screen. It keeps you informed about things that you do every day. For instance, if you use an app to learn how to draw every day, Siri will offer you suggestions around the same time so that you don’t forget to draw. It’s undoubtedly very helpful. But it can also expose your privacy about what you do. Hence, turning off Siri suggestions on the Lock screen would be a wise idea.
Launch Settings → tap Siri & Search.
Next, turn off the switch next to Suggestions on Lock Screen.
Two-factor authentication can be enormously helpful in providing the needed protection for your account. The biggest and most obvious advantage of this feature is that even if someone has got access to your passwords, your account will continue protected.
Today, most apps let you enable two-step verification to let you add a layer of security to your account. Once you have turned on this feature, every time you log in to your account, you will have to authenticate using a security code.
9. Clear Your History
Another important thing that can offer additional protection is keeping the browsing history clean. Although it helps you get quick access to visited sites through instant suggestions, it can expose your privacy. If you don’t want anyone to ever find what you are up to on the web, delete the history once you have browsed the web or use incognito mode to browse the web privately. Nowadays, most web browsers including Safari let you enable a private mode. So, you won’t have any problem keeping your info safe.
10. Use Sign-In With Apple
Apple doesn’t compile users’ data or sell it out to others. The tech giant forwards a unique email to you so that your real identity remains protected. Not to mention, it provides you with an option to hide your email ID as well. To use this feature, make sure you have enabled two-factor authentication. Then, at the login page of any supported website or app (iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows), simply hit Sign In with Apple. After that, you have the option to edit your info and even hide the email.
11. Use iCloud Keychain
iOS 12 comes with a robust password manager called “iCloud Keychain” to let you ideally manage all of your passwords. It also suggests strong keys to ensure your data has an extra layer of defence.
12. Find my iPhone
“Find my phone” is a major security feature. What makes it stand out is the ability to let you track your lost device and even protect its data. Through Activation Lock, it stops anyone from using or selling your device. Unless someone has access to your Apple ID passwords, they can’t reactivate or erase your contents.
13. Use VPNs
VPN apps can be an extra layer of protection for your sensitive information. It lets you browse the web safely and prevents tracking of your information, hiding your IP address.
14. Use Vault Apps
Vault apps can be very handy in keeping your photos or videos confidential. You can create separate folders to keep all of your information perfectly organized. And, use a security key to access them.
15. Customize Your Privacy and Content Restrictions
With iOS 12, you have more control over your content and privacy restrictions. You get a variety of options like preventing Siri from using explicit language and disallowing password changes.
16. Automatically Erase Your Data After 10 Failed Attempts
You can preset your device to automatically wipe out all the data after 10 failed passcode attempts.
Mobile security is a critical aspect to consider when using an iOS device. While iOS offers strong security and privacy measures, it's important to be aware of the pros and cons. On the one hand, iOS has a closed ecosystem, which reduces the need for antivirus software. On the other hand, iOS can still be vulnerable to malware attacks if Apple misses any vulnerabilities. To improve your iOS phone security and privacy, you can start by disabling your location device on apps that are not necessary, enabling two-factor authentication, and taking advantage of a variety of features that Apple provides. By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can ensure that your iOS device remains secure and protects your sensitive data.
