The iCloud Mistakes iPhone Apple Experts Say You Should Avoid At All Costs Because They’re Cyber Security Nightmares
May 27, 2023 by Lisa Cupido
Saving your files, photos, and videos in iCloud is a smart way to ensure they stay safe while also freeing up valuable storage space on your computer or iPhone. But consider iCloud is a bit like a bank. The same way you wouldn’t share your account information with any old stranger on the street, it’s important to take steps to safeguard your iCloud account and follow expert steps to protect your files from prying eyes and hackers. Tech Expert Keith Romes weighs in with some of the most common iCloud mistakes that you should avoid at all costs because they pose cyber security threats. The sooner you know about these threats, the less likely you’ll be to make these mistakes.
Using the same password for every account:Using the same password for iCloud and other accounts is one of the most common, and more risky, mistakes you could make. “This makes it easier for hackers to access your iCloud account if they obtain your password from a breached website or service,” Romes says. “You should use a unique and strong password for iCloud and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.”
And when creating that password, consider using a password manager service that will create lengthy, complex passwords and save them for you.
Logging onto iCloud from public Wi-Fi:Logging into iCloud on untrusted devices or networks is a no-no — this goes double if you are thinking of doing so from a coffee shop or another public W-Fi spot. “If you use your iCloud account on non-Apple devices or public Wi-Fi hotspots, you may expose your password to malware or hackers who can intercept your data,” Romes says. “You should only log into iCloud on devices that you own and trust, and use a VPN when connecting to public networks.”
Sharing your iCloud credentials with others:
Remember to think of iCloud the way you would your ATM password — for your eyes only. “If you share your iCloud password with anyone, even family or friends, you risk losing control of your account and data,” Romes notes. “You should never share your password with anyone, and use Family Sharing instead if you want to share content or services with your family members.”
Ignoring suspicious activity on your iCloud account:
Actions that should raise your suspicions include login attempts from unknown locations or devices or changes to your settings or data. One of the worst things you can do is ignore these threats altogether. “You should act quickly to secure your account,” Romes says. “You should change your password, review your security settings, and report any unauthorized access to Apple.”
The more steps you take to secure your iCloud account, the better protected your data will be.