Apple prides itself on offering one of the most robust and privacy-focused operating systems in the world with iOS, but if you don’t use it properly, you won’t be able to take advantage of its many in-built features. Below, we’ve put together five ways to bolster your phone’s security and ensure data doesn’t enter into the wrong hands.
Use Touch ID/Face ID
Where possible, make sure you’ve activated Touch ID or Face ID on your iPhone and iPad. Not only is it much more convenient than typing in your password manually, but it ensures nobody can access your phone other than you. If you want your partner to be able to access your phone, add their fingerprint to Touch ID and give them your passcode if you have Face ID, as, at present, only one person can use the facial biometric technology.
Enable two-factor authentication
Make sure you turn on Two Factor Authentication on your iPhone, so if someone was to log into your iCloud account on another device, such as on another iPad or MacBook, you’ll receive a notification of its location and verify the login. It gives you added peace of mind and ensures your personal data says out of harm’s reach.
Turn off notifications
If you’re out and about and don’t want people to be able to read your messages and notifications, turn them off on your iPhone. It’s easy for personal messages, emails and WhatsApp chats to enter into the wrong hands if you leave your phone lying around, as sensitive data can be revealed from the lock screen. Either turn them off entirely or switch to private notifications; when you receive an iMessage, the notification box won’t display the content.
Use a VPN
The chances are that you’ve heard about Virtual Private Networks in the past, and perhaps have even used one to access a video or Netflix series in another country. But adding a VPN to your iPhone is a smart move; not only does it mask your personal IP address, but it will encrypt all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic, making it harder for potential hackers to use. What’s more, VPNs can be used to block ads within apps and websites, protecting you from those annoying pop-ups and content trackers, designed to follow you around the web.
Stop apps from snooping
Apple is pretty strict on what developers can and cannot access on a phone, but the chances are that you can make some further improvements to your security. If you install an app like Facebook, you’ll likely be asked to share your contacts, camera, location, microphone, Bluetooth access and more, but Facebook really doesn’t need all of those permissions. Double down on what apps have access to and limit them where possible.
And if you’re curious to dig deeper into cybersecurity, head over to the Smartproxy blog to learn more about privacy, data, and safety online.
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