Friday, March 29, 2024

8 Best iPhone Security Tips in 2021

Contrary to popular belief, iPhones are not unhackable. While iOS might be considered more secure than Android, it isn’t impossible for cybercriminals to target iPhones. The truth is, all phones are vulnerable if used unsafely, but a few steps can be taken to mitigate security concerns.

If you don’t want somebody to break into your iPhone and gain access to sensitive data, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll share some simple yet effective methods to boost your iPhone security.

How to Secure Your iPhone from Hackers

Without further ado, let’s dive in:

1.Activate Find My iPhone

Apple’s built-in tracking app, Find My iPhone uses GPS technology to locate a lost phone or wipe it remotely if stolen. It also includes a feature called Activation Lock, which stops anyone else from using your iPhone. Here’s how you can enable it:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap your name.
  • Select the Find My option.
  • Slide to enable Find My iPhone.

2.Enable USB Restricted Mode

USB Restricted Mode is a security feature by Apple that prevents USB accessories from making data communications via the Lightning port if an iOS device has been locked for over an hour. This protects you from what’s known as juice jacking, i.e., when data can be stolen, or malware is loaded onto a device using the USB port. Follow these steps to turn it on:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Touch ID & Passcode.
  • Enter your passcode when prompted.
  • Scroll down to Allow Access When Locked, and toggle the USB Accessories option to OFF.

3.Turn on Automatic iOS Updates

Updating operating systems and apps is vital to your device’s security. Besides adding useful new updates and features, they also patch software vulnerabilities. These are loopholes or weaknesses in an OS or software program that the bad guys can exploit to infect your device. Here’s how you can activate automatic iOS updates:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap General.
  • Tap Software Update.
  • Enable the Automatic Updates option.

As for automatic app updates, here’s what you need to do:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap App Store.
  • Turn on App Updates.

4.Set Up Face ID or Touch ID

Having a strong passcode is important but you shouldn’t stop there. After all, an extra layer of protection can be added by activating both Face ID and Touch ID, if available. Follow these steps to set up Face ID:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap Face ID & Passcode, and then type your passcode.
  • Tap the Set-Up Face ID option and follow the on-screen prompts.

As for Touch ID, follow these steps to set it up:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Touch ID & Passcode, and then type your passcode.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts.

5.Use a Virtual Private Network on Unsecured Wi-Fi

A VPN is a tool that allows you to securely and privately connect to the internet. It’s particularly useful for public Wi-Fi networks as they usually lack encryption, making it easier than ever for third parties to eavesdrop on the data sent through them. However, there are other things you need to be extra careful about.

A Domain Name Server (DNS) is an essential naming system that allows you access websites in a much easier way. Moreover, when you visit any website, the domain name is sent to a DNS server with the IP address being sent back to your browser. This process is a matter of nanoseconds.

The only problem is that most of these DNS servers are owned and operated by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your IP address, connection logs, and all relevant activities are recorded on a log.

Once you connect to a VPN, you avoid the prospect of all your digital browsing being monitored in such a way. However, in case your VPN isn’t doing its job properly, it will still leak your data as a result of a misconfigured network. The encrypted channel meant to give you anonymity online can be rendered completely useless.

So, how you do you tell whether your VPN has a DNS leak? There are several reliable tools online that’ll let you know if you have a DNS leak at all. Just Google DNS Leak test and you should have several websites that’ll audit your connection for any such leaks. If you can see your actual IP address rather than the IP address of the server your VPN is connected to; you have a DNS leak.

The solution to this problem is to get a reliable VPN. This is should reemphasize the earlier part about why having a secure VPN is key to avoid falling prey online on your iPhone. By using a reliable VPN, you can encrypt the traffic to and from your device and use these unsecured hotspots safely & with peace of mind.

6.Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (also commonly referred to as 2FA) provides an additional layer of security to your Apple ID by making sure that you’re the only one who can gain access to your account, even if someone has your password. That’s because they’d have to enter another login credential, such as a one-time code, which is sent to a device that belongs to you. Here’s how you can turn it on:

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Tap your name.
  • Tap Password & Security.
  • Tap the Turn on Two-Factor Authentication option and follow the on-screen prompts.

7.Disable Lock Screen Settings

The lock screen of your iPhone has widgets that enable quick access to certain features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and camera. Though they don’t offer complete access to the phone, individuals can still get their hands on some information using them. Follow these steps to control which widgets are accessible in the lock screen:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Tap Control Center.
  • Toggle off your desired widgets.

8.Make Encrypted Backups

You have a wealth of data on your phone. To make sure you don’t lose it, experts recommend keeping a copy of it. However, you should also take the necessary measure(s) to protect that data. The best way to backup your iPhone is to plug it into your computer and use iTunes, which can be configured to encrypt your data. Here’s how to encrypt your iTunes backups:

  • Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
  • Choose your device from the drop-down menu.
  • Check the Encrypt iPhone Backup box in the Backups section.
  • Create a password when prompted.

Final Word

By following the measures mentioned above, you can secure your iPhone from most (if not all) hacking attempts. Is there any other tip that needs to be added? Let us know!

Website

Latest articles

Beware Of Weaponized Air Force invitation PDF Targeting Indian Defense And Energy Sectors

EclecticIQ cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a cyberespionage operation dubbed "Operation FlightNight" targeting Indian government...

WarzoneRAT Returns Post FBI Seizure: Utilizing LNK & HTA File

The notorious WarzoneRAT malware has made a comeback, despite the FBI's recent efforts to...

Google Revealed Kernel Address Sanitizer To Harden Android Firmware And Beyond

Android devices are popular among hackers due to the platform’s extensive acceptance and open-source...

Compromised SaaS Supply Chain Apps: 97% of Organizations at Risk of Cyber Attacks

Businesses increasingly rely on Software as a Service (SaaS) applications to drive efficiency, innovation,...

IT and security Leaders Feel Ill-Equipped to Handle Emerging Threats: New Survey

A comprehensive survey conducted by Keeper Security, in partnership with TrendCandy Research, has shed...

How to Analyse .NET Malware? – Reverse Engineering Snake Keylogger

Utilizing sandbox analysis for behavioral, network, and process examination provides a foundation for reverse...

GoPlus’s Latest Report Highlights How Blockchain Communities Are Leveraging Critical API Security Data To Mitigate Web3 Threats

GoPlus Labs, the leading Web3 security infrastructure provider, has unveiled a groundbreaking report highlighting...

Mitigating Vulnerability Types & 0-day Threats

Mitigating Vulnerability & 0-day Threats

Alert Fatigue that helps no one as security teams need to triage 100s of vulnerabilities.

  • The problem of vulnerability fatigue today
  • Difference between CVSS-specific vulnerability vs risk-based vulnerability
  • Evaluating vulnerabilities based on the business impact/risk
  • Automation to reduce alert fatigue and enhance security posture significantly

Related Articles