Sometimes accidents happen with your iPhone, and when they do, hackings often occur. Getting hacked is no one’s idea of a good time and along with the headaches that accompany having to change all of your passwords comes the very real fear that someone may have gotten ahold of very sensitive information, like banking info and your social security number.
The best way to keep your phone from getting hacked is to be extremely vigilant, change some of your user habits, and, in some cases, not let curiosity get the best of you (more on that in a moment). Here are five tips and tricks to protect your iPhone from hackers and thieves.
Use Face ID
Yes, you know a password on your phone just in case and it shouldn’t be your birthday. But the more you rely on Face ID to open your device and not a passcode, the harder it will be for hackers to break into your device. Set up Face ID by going into Settings > Face ID & Passcode > enter your passcode if prompted > set up Face ID.
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Use a Privacy Screen Protector
Many hackings occur after the hacker studies you in public and easily figures out the passwords you’re typing on your screen. Buying a privacy screen protector is helpful because they’re made with anti-spy tempered glass that hides your screen and the info on it from peering eyes. Many of these screen protectors are affordable and will help you maintain your privacy.
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is quickly moving from the category of “should set this up” to “must set this up.” When 2FA is enabled, the websites that you frequent that contain stored personal information, like banking sites and social media, will require your password in addition to a second code that they send to your phone or email to prove that it’s you. To set this up, go to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security. Tap on “Turn on Two-Factor Authentication.”
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Anytime you receive an email from someone you don’t know AND it contains a link that the sender promises you that you NEED to see, the last thing you should do is click on that link. This could be a classic attempt to lead you to a website that installs spyware on your phone. Never click on suspicious links and report any senders who seem to be trying to get you to click on these links.
Don’t Do Private Things On Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is a wonderful service and we can all benefit from it at times, like when you’re stuck in the airport waiting for your flight or layover. By all means, enjoy public Wi-Fi when scrolling for fun games, crossword puzzles, or checking emails. But avoid doing anything private that requires exchanging personal information about your bank account, social security number, or driver’s license. And that includes not doing your online shopping — wait until you’re connected to a secure network to shop or exchange private information.
