How To Enhance iPhone Security

enhance iphone security

Until recently, the safety of mobile phones was not considered a serious problem, but with the emergence of an increasing number of mobile threats, many smartphone owners are starting to think about this issue. Although Apple devices are considered much more secure than other devices, they are certainly not invincible and it is better to start thinking of your security right now. In fact, now viruses and hacks are occurring just as frequently or even more frequently in iPhones than Android smartphones due to new cybercrime tactics.

There are also many more iPhones and iPads out there than before, so hackers are targeting them more and with greater efficiency. There are also millions of wireless chargers and public WiFi networks that iPhones utilize and put them at greater risk for hacks.

For all of these reasons, it's essential to enhance your iPhone security. Below is a list of 12 simple ways that will enhance the security of the iPhone.  

12 Ways To Enhance iPhone Smartphone Security

1. ACTIVATE THE LIMIT AD TRACKING OPTION 

Apple may transfer some user information to ads-containing applications that, based on this data, offer targeted advertising "in accordance with the interests of the user." If you do not want other apps to know your online habits and likes or other possibly sensitive information, you can disable this option. To do this, go to the Settings menu in the Privacy > Advertising > Limit Ad Tracking

2. TURN OFF GEOLOCATION ADVERTISING 

Geo-contextual advertising is based on displaying advertising messages based on the user's location. If you don’t want to let Apple and your location, you can turn this option off. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Location-Based Apple Ads

3. AVOID CONNECTING TO DUBIOUS WI-FI NETWORKS 

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and find the option Ask to join Networks which notifies the owner of new Wi-Fi networks. Activate this feature to avoid connecting to untrusted networks. 

4. CONFIGURE AN ALPHANUMERIC PASSWORD 

By default, the iPhone allows you to set a password of four or six digits, but if desired, any user can create a strong alphanumeric password. In order to configure such password, go to the Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Change Passcode > Passcode Options > Custom Alphanumeric Code

Select the desired password. Note, the hardest thing for hackers is to crack long alphanumeric passwords. 

5. USE THE PIN OF THE SIM CARD 

In order for someone else not to make phone calls and transfer cellular data from your SIM card, use the PIN code for the SIM card. In this case, when the device is rebooted or when the SIM card is removed, it is going to be automatically locked. Select Settings > Phone > SIM PIN

6. LIMIT SOME LOCK SCREEN OPTIONS 

You can limit the number of functions that can be accessed from the screen when it is locked. For example, you may disable the Siri, Apple Pay and Wallet voice commands, viewing of notifications, etc. To do this, go to the Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Allow Access When Locked. Select the options you want to disable. 

7. MAKE SAFARI SAFER 

There are several ways to enhance Safari browser security. For example, disable the AutoFill feature, do not save passwords in the browser, or disable cookies. Go to Settings > Safari

8. ENABLE THE ERASE DATA OPTION AFTER 10 FAILED PASSCODE ATTEMPTS 

Activating the Data Erase function will be a reasonable solution in case the iPhone is lost or stolen. After 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, all information will be deleted. In order to activate the function, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Erase Data

9. UPDATES 

Always install recent iOS and Apps updates. As it is still hard to hack Apple and Amazon products, criminals resort to cunning tactics of spreading deceptive apps that pretend to be useful tools but instead show dubious ads or try to lure money through hidden fees. Software updates limit the number of ways hackers can trick you. 

10. DANGEROUS LINKS 

Whenever you receive unknown links via SMS, iMessage, Mail or other means on your iPhone or iPad – do not click on them. It is sad but many people still click on those. Basic cyber security habits should be developed as soon as possible. 

11. APP PERMISSIONS 

Although we usually grant full access to apps when installing them, we do not use all of their functionality later on. From time to time it is good to review what permissions your apps have and disable rarely used functions thus improving your privacy and security. Even reputable app developers get breached and expose user data. 

12. DON'T FORGET PHYSICAL SECURITY 

Yes it's important to keep your iPhone smartphone physically secure as well. Purchasing cases for iphone 12 will help prevent it from breaking, which could lead to your phone getting repaired or sold. Aside from costing you a lot of money, this will leave your iPhone susceptible to data theft or insecurity.

David Balaban is a computer security researcher with over 15 years of experience in malware analysis and antivirus software evaluation. David runs the Privacy PC project which presents expert opinions on the contemporary information security matters, including social engineering, penetration testing, threat intelligence, online privacy and white hat hacking. As part of his work at Privacy-PC, Mr. Balaban has interviewed such security celebrities as Dave Kennedy, Jay Jacobs and Robert David Steele to get firsthand perspectives on hot InfoSec issues. David has a strong malware troubleshooting background, with the recent focus on ransomware countermeasures.


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I hope you enjoyed this article about how to enhance your iPhone's security and data safety to protect your personal information. 

Interested in more articles about cybersecurity and data privacy?

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