9 Ways to Improve Your iPhone Security

Apple’s iPhone is arguably the most secure mobile devices on today’s smartphone market. Aside from the foolproof facial recognition system and fingerprint sensor, iOS devices generally suffer fewer malware attacks than the Androids.

Be that as it may, the iPhone is not perfect. With the goal of being user-friendly, the iOS has some features that facilitate easy access to information on your device. Unfortunately, it also poses some security risks. Whether you’re using Siri to read text messages or using pop notifications on lock screen, the iPhone inadvertently reveals your personal information to strangers. This raises a vital question; can you improve your iPhone’s security?

With the tips outlined below, you’ll not only maximize your iPhone security but keep your data secure too. There is just one thing; you may have to sacrifice convenience for security.

Related: How to secure Windows 10 PC?

9 Ways to Improve Your iPhone Security

Outlined below are 9 tips to help improve your iPhone’s security.

1. Use a password
2. Enable facial recognition or touch id
3. Use two-factor authentication
4. Disable Siri on lock screen
5. Completely disable lock screen notifications
6. Enable erase data
7. No jailbreaking device
8. Browse safely
9. Don’t fall prey to spams

1. Use a Password

This is a simple and efficient way of protecting your data. But rather than use a four digit or 6 digit code, consider using a full password with a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols. As such, you won’t have to worry about strangers guessing your passcode.

So, how can you turn on your passcode, you wonder?

• From the Settings tap Touch ID & Passcode.

• Tap Change Passcode and Input your old passcode.

• When prompted to input a new Passcode, tap Passcode Options.
• Select Custom Alphanumeric Code.

• Input a password that contains letters, numbers, and symbols. When you input easy numbers as a password, Apple will show you warning that the password is easy to guess. So ensure to use a hard password for guessing and at the same time you can remember.

2. Use Face ID or Touch ID

While using an alphanumeric password is good, it’s often long and can be easy to forget. That’s why you should consider using a biometric identity system. That’s right; we’re talking about touch ID and Face ID. If your device supports, follow the steps outlined below to activate it.

• From the Settings page, tap Touch ID & Passcode.
• Tap Add a Fingerprint.

• Place your finger on the scanner.
• Follow the on-screen instruction.

Setting up Face ID on your iPhone is similar to the steps outlined above. Just replace the Touch ID with Face ID, and you’re good to go. For example, on the Settings page, tap Face ID & Passcode  and continue from there.

3. Use Two-Factor Verification

Do you know what’s better than a one-step verification? You guessed right; it’s two. Consider registering your devices to receive verification codes via SMS or call whenever you perform any operation that involves your Apple ID.

Whether you’re signing into iCloud or making purchases from the App store, you’ll always be required to verify your identity. And you’ll know that your data is secure. From the Settings page, select the Apple ID and tap Password & Security. Now, tap Two-Factor Authentication to turn it on.

4. Disable Siri on Lock Screen

Although Siri is a great personal assistant to have on your device, it is capable of giving out your personal information. Now, we are not asking you to turn it off completely, just prevent the Hey Siri command or disable the lock screen activation.

Yes, it’s inconvenient, but that’s the price you must pay for more privacy. Here is how to do it. From the Settings tap Touch ID & Passcode and toggle Siri off.

5. Disable Lock Screen Notification

Aside from Siri, your lock screen notification center gives up more information than you can imagine. These include unread messages as well as emails, private appointments, confirmation codes, and financial data. Needless to say that your iPhone’s data will be more secure when it shows less on the lock screen notification. Here is how to switch it off.

Once again tap Touch ID & Passcode on the Settings page and toggle off Notification Center.

6. Enable Erase Data Option

Having lots of secrets on your iPhone? If you have personal photos and data, consider storing it on cloud so that you will not loose. Otherwise, if you lost the device then it is easy for the thief to extract all content from your iPhone. While you can’t stop thief, you definitely can protect your data. Also iPhone allows you to erase the entire content on certain situations like theft. We recommend you to switch on the Erase Data option. That way, your data will be completely wiped off after ten failed passcode attempts. You can enable this option under “Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Erase Data”.

7. Don’t Use Jailbreaking

Well, the term jailbreaking may look horrifying. However, in iPhone world it is used for changing the behavior of iOS to give more control over the operating system. For example, after jailbreaking you can try to install apps outside App Store.

At any case, never try for jailbreaking your phone or buying such a phone. This will make your device outside Apple’s security loop and there are no possibilities you can get formal support with jailbroken device.

8. Browse Safely

This means a lot. Security not only comes on the device but also comes with your browsing behavior. The device can’t prevent you when you click on the link and provide you credit card details. So ensure to block inappropriate websites from the settings and use legal and allowed websites on your country.

For example, many popular websites are blocked in countries like China. There are so many VPN apps allow you to unblock these websites. However, most of the apps are illegal in the country. Also you can install such VPNs using profile installation or through browser extension without the need of app. Remember, this will redirect your internet activities through the unknown VPN servers. So be cautious and avoid using unreliable VPNs or network changing apps not allowed on your country.

9. Don’t Fall Prey to Spams

Email and SMS spams are very old but successful ways of looting your data. Don’t unnecessarily click on the links on emails and messages and provide your details. Apple introduced automatically identifying spam SMS senders as unknown sender in Messages app.

It is very easy to change the sender name on email while using the fake id. Below is a spam email on Mail app. By look, you may think it is from the bank. However, tapping on the email name will show a spam email address. When you are in doubt, check the sender and at any case never provide personal data over email or SMS to unknown people.

Wrapping Up

Aside from all the security measures outlined above, there are two essential things to remember. First, don’t forget to enable Find My iPhone. It’s a great tool to help you track your device if you ever lose it. Besides, it’s free.

Also, do not jailbreak your device. As much as you may crave the freedom that comes with jailbreaking your device, it’s an easy way to expose yourself to security threats such as viruses, and other malware. If you have to select between security and comfort, the former should always come first. Last but not least, security depends on your behavior too.