Your iPhone is vulnerable to cyber attacks and viruses, and you may not be aware of how easily these things can happen. Click on the wrong link every now and then or land on a web page that looks so suspiciously like the real thing (but isn’t) and you could become the next victim. But there are plenty of ways to protect yourself, too. Payette Forward illuminates several hacks that can really help:
Here are four iPhone security hacks you should know to keep your phone and data safe.
Two-Factor Authentication
It’s not enough to simply set a strong, complex password for certain websites and assume all is safe. It’s equally important to begin using two-factor authentication wherever possible in order to create an even stronger security wall that protects your data. Go to the Settings app and tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen. Tap Password and Security and have a look at two-factor authentication.
When you enable two-factor authentication you won’t just sign onto a new device using your password; you’ll also have to enter a six-digit verification code or use a security key.
Advanced Data Protection
This new feature, available on iOS 16.2, can be accessed by tapping back on the upper left-hand corner of the screen, tapping on iCloud, scrolling down, and tapping Advanced Data Protection. This feature uses end-to-end encryption to to ensure that iCloud data types are only able to be decrypted under trusted devices. The purpose of this feature is to protect your data in the event that iCloud gets breached.
Don’t Trust Devices You Don’t Control
If you head over to iCloud and Apple ID, you’ll see a list of your “trusted devices,” which refers to devices that are attached to your Apple ID. Each of these devices will literally be labeled “Trusted Device,” which lets you know if can receive security codes when you sign onto an Apple device for the first time.
But it’s important not to trust any old device. If it’s one you can’t control, tape “remove from account” to get rid of it.
Account Recovery Contacts
Account recovery contacts can help you recover your data if you forget your iCloud password or device passcode. But it’s crucial that you only add contacts you truly trust, as you can imagine what can happen if this information falls into the wrong hands. To access this, go to Settings > Password and Security > Account Recovery. Only add a contact that you trust.
Follow these simple hacks to make your phone that much more secure and less vulnerable to cyber attacks.
