In 2025, Apple users will face more sophisticated identity theft than ever before. One solution to protect themselves from different scams is adopting certain in-built security tools Apple provides.
Apple’s Built-In Privacy and Security Features
The Apple Ecosystem has been heavily invested in layered defences against identity theft. New updates, like iOS 17.3’s Stolen Device Protection, are crucial to these efforts. The update introduced requirements like geofenced biometric authentication for sensitive actions. It includes changing your Apple ID credentials and accessing your saved passwords. That is, when the device is outside of its regular geographical locations like your office or home, it is a must to use a Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate your account activities.
Another security feature in Apple devices is the Secure Enclave co-processor. This feature isolates biometric data and encryption keys from the main operating system. Hence, no malware or unauthorized applications can access them. In addition, high-risk users can use Lockdown mode to disable non-essential functionalities. Doing so, minimizes loopholes like message attachments. With Safari’s enhanced Private Browsing, metadata from shared links is removed. The trackers are automatically blocked, ensuring users leave no trace behind.
Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Strong passwords combining capital letters, numbers, and symbols are hard for scammers and hackers to guess or break. Apple’s iCoud Keygen helps users generate unique passwords. However, they should be changed from time to time. According to a Google finding, 65% of Americans recycle passwords. This shows that having a unique password is not enough. Users should avoid password reuse for their safety.
This highlights the importance of enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for Apple IDs. When 2FA is enabled, any attempt to log into that account will require a verification code from Apple to be sent to the user’s device. This means that the second authentication factor will deter scammers even if the password is compromised.
If your Apple account is used beyond the Apple ecosystem, you should consider using a dedicated password manager.
Identity Theft Protection Services
Due to the sophisticated nature of hacking and cyberattacks, being careful may not be enough to deter hackers and scammers. That’s why a specialized identity theft protection service is so important. They provide stronger safeguards against the growing complexity of threats. Specialized identity theft protection services provide continuous surveillance that complements Apple’s built-in protections. These services monitor any suspicious activity for credit reports, bank accounts, and public records. They also provide early warning signs. For example, unauthorized address changes or credit inquiries you didn’t initiate.
Protecting Personal Information on Apple devices
Follow these simple practices to protect your personal information:
- Never share your information: Apple will never ask for your personal information for no reason. You should not share your Apple account, password, device passcode, or recovery key with colleagues or friends.
- Sign up with Apple: When signing up on other websites and online forums, use the sign up with Apple option. This will help ensure that you are not giving out your information here and there.
- Keep your software up to date: Apple often releases critical security updates, bug fixes, and features to enhance safety. Keep updating your iOS and macOS to stay ahead of hackers.
- Turn on stolen device protection for iPhone: This will turn on additional security requirements beyond password.
- Enable advanced data protection for iCloud: This feature provides end-to-end encryption for all your information. It is Apple’s highest level of cloud data security.
- App permission management: Some malicious apps may have access to your location, contact, and other sensitive information.
- Wi-fi precautions: Mask and encrypt your IP addresses and safari traffic with iCloud Private Relay to prevent data interception from untrusted networks.
Steps to Take If Your Identity is Compromised
Identity theft is a growing threat. While it can’t be completely avoided, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Sign in to your Apple account: This is your first step. It will let you know if you still have access to the account. If you have access to the account, you can begin making changes to tighten up your security.
- Take back your Apple ID: If you don’t have access to your account or your devices anymore, you can contact Apple Support on someone’s device to reset your password.
- Logout of other devices: Once you get your account back, log out of every device that is not yours.
- Update your information: It is likely that when your account falls into the wrong hands, some modifications may occur. Update your personal information and change your security questions.
- Update passwords on iCloud keychain: The hacker will want access to your email addresses and other accounts through your iCloud Keychain.
- Look for signs of identity theft: Check for new accounts, loans, changes to your phone number, or subscriptions you didn’t make.
Key Takeaways
Apple’s security features, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and identity theft protection services help keep your information safe. No solution is perfect, but staying proactive can reduce the risk of identity theft.