While Apple products are well known for their robust security features, the average user may not be taking advantage of them. Some users ma...
While Apple products are well known for their robust security features, the average user may not be taking advantage of them. Some users may even disable some of the more important iPhone features in order to make their device more convenient for them to use. This type of behavior can leave the device wide open to a variety of cyber threats, including hacking, malware, and brute force attacks. If you’re worried about the security of your iPhone, we’ve listed a few ways of how to prevent someone from hacking your iPhone.
12 Ways to Secure Your iPhone or iPad from Hackers
1. Create A Strong Passcode
On an iPhone, an owner is able to set a 4 or 6 digit passcode. Make sure your passcode is random and has no relation to you, such as your DOB or the year you graduated. Once your iPhone locks, this passcode must be entered in order to access it. Alternative sign-in methods to using a passcode are Fingerprint and Face ID.2. Enable Brute Force Protection
In the Touch ID & Passcode settings on the iPhone, there is a setting labeled Erase Data. When enabled, if someone attempts to log into your iPhone ten times, your personal data will be automatically deleted.3. Keep Your Device Software Up-To-Date
One of the ways hackers can gain access to any cell phone is through flaws and vulnerabilities in the operating system software. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, continually approve your iPhone’s software update and stay up-to-date on the latest iOS news.4. Enable The Screen Auto-Lock Feature
This feature is pretty self explanatory. With Auto-Lock, you select a specific amount of time that must elapse before your iPhone automatically locks. This feature is especially useful when you have misplaced or lost your phone.5. Disable Lock Screen Notifications
Having your notifications and personal information appear while your iPhone is in Auto-Lock defeats the purpose of that feature. To avoid anyone, including strangers, viewing your iPhone notifications containing personal information, disable your lock screen notifications.6. Use An iPhone Antivirus Software Or App
Just like on your computer, iPhone antivirus software will help protect your device from online threats. These threats include malware, viruses, spyware and more. If anything is found, the antivirus app or iPhone spy apps will quarantine it, preventing it from infiltrating your iPhone security further.7. Disable Location Tracking
It’s common nowadays for apps to ask for access to your location settings. However, the apps you are using or downloading in the future could easily be hacked or could actually be created by hackers. By disabling location tracking and/or adjusting your app permissions, you’ll be able to manage who has access to your iPhone location.8. Use Unique Passwords On All Connected Accounts
On apps or online accounts you connect to regularly on your iPhone, make sure you use passwords that are unique and strong. This means having a password that is at least 12+ random characters long, including symbols, numbers, and upper and lowercase letters. The password should have no relation to you because if it does, hackers will be more likely to guess your password.9. Disable Bluetooth And Wi-Fi Whenever Possible
When you are anywhere besides your home, avoid using Bluetooth and public Wi-Fi. Hackers can create fake signals or piggyback onto others to access people’s devices and hack them. They may disguise networks to mimic other ones commonly used in the area. Also, beware of connecting to any public Wi-Fi networks, especially ones you haven’t used before. Follow our Internet Security Tips to learn more about best practices you need to follow.10. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
To secure your Apple ID from intruders, you can enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication). 2FA is designed to ensure that you are the only one that can access your Apple ID account on a trusted device. When anyone tries to sign into your account on a new device, they will be instructed to enter your password and six-digit passcode.11. Find My iPhone
If an iPhone is lost or stolen it is possible that it will be unlocked, giving whomever access to your data. By using Find My iPhone, you’ll be able to do a number of actions including: Finding your iPhone’s location, playing a sound to find your iPhone, and erase your iPhone’s data. If you put your phone in Lost Mode, your iPhone’s location will be tracked, your phone screen will display a contact number to call, and it will be locked.12. Silence Unknown Callers (Preference)
Now, hackers cannot break into your iPhone by simply calling you. However, many who do spam call you from unknown numbers can be hackers. They are looking to get personal information from you that could help them access your account(s) by guessing your password. On an iPhone, you can silence unknown callers and they will be sent to voicemail.iPhone Security Tips and Best Practices
Besides using the iPhone settings mentioned above, there are a number of general iPhone and online safety precautions you can take.- Avoid visiting sites that are not https secure or you are unfamiliar with.
- Don’t click on any links sent to you via email or text from an unknown person.
- Be careful what apps you download from the App store. Only download apps from legitimate and approved sources.
- Don’t give away too much personal information on social media, dating apps, or via text or email.
- On social media, only friend/follow people that you know. Avoid communication with strangers on the platforms.
- If possible, only use private wi-fi networks you own and control.
- Know where your phone is at all times. Don’t put it down somewhere random or you could lose it or a stranger could access it.
- Be careful using public charging stations such as at airports. Hackers often infiltrate these stations so they can infect connected devices.
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