Gadgets from the American brand Apple are valued not only for their functionality, excellent performance, and innovative solutions but also for the best protection of personal data. Thanks to the solutions implemented in such gadgets, it is almost impossible to hack the iPhone, which is controlled by the operating system IOS.
However, users of Apple technology often make changes to their devices and do not activate additional security features.
Hackers use this with particular success. If a problem is the developer’s fault, you can write hundreds of angry reviews and criticize the brand, but if the trouble happens because of the user’s actions, there is no one to complain to.
Read this article to understand how iPhone owners can protect their personal information.
So, here’s what you have to do.
Set your password to log in
Newly purchased iPhones already have a standard four-digit numeric code installed. However, before you start using it, you should immediately change it to your own, which will be difficult for intruders to crack. It is recommended to use at least 8 characters.
Also Read: 7 Simple Tips And Tricks For Students To Get Better Online Privacy
Don’t jailbreak
Jailbreaking is system hacking. However, it is not done by criminals, but by iPhone users themselves, who want to expand the capabilities of their gadget to be able to install third-party applications. No matter how tempting it may seem to jailbreak, we strongly recommend against it.
Hacking the system can lead to serious consequences, up to the phone’s inoperability. In addition, third-party apps that are not on the App Store are used by attackers to steal data.
Jailbreaking is sometimes confused with unlocking, which is a mistake. Unlocking is the first thing you do after receiving your phone — you need to unlock it to use it. Read this guide if you have just received your iPhone and haven’t unlocked it yet.
Make sure your lock screen is secure
Don’t think that a password can protect you from having your sensitive information stolen. After all, the lock screen also displays important information like messages, numbers, system notifications, and even the Apple Wallet, where your bank card numbers are stored.
To limit the information on the locked screen, simply go to your phone’s settings and uncheck the “Touch ID and Password” section.
Use advanced features
Just like Android phones, Apple smartphones have a gadget search feature. If your iPhone is stolen or you lose it while taking a walk, you can easily locate the device or at least destroy all personal information on it.
You need to activate the “Find iPhone” feature to do this. You can also use this feature to beep your smartphone or block access to it.
Also, do not forget to activate the proprietary cloud storage from Apple — iCloud. All data is stored on a server under strong protection. In addition, when you buy a new Apple gadget, you can always synchronize it with your account in iCloud.
Use two-factor authentication with iCloud
This is a very effective way to protect your data. After all, even if intruders somehow have your password to log in to the cloud storage, the system will additionally send a code to your phone. And hackers can’t receive that code.
Limit the information available to applications
While installing some apps, the system will ask you to mark the items they can use to work. This may include access to photos, calls, and more.
Whenever needed, go to the privacy settings and change the app access settings so that sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. The action won’t take long, and you can rest assured that your data is safe.
Keep your phone up to date with operating system updates
Even if you don’t like waiting for updates to install on your system, download them regularly. Updates fix security bugs and improve system performance. They’re well worth the time invested. They can also improve your smartphone’s performance.
As a bonus, let us remind you that before you sell your iPhone, you should clear all important data, personal photos, messages, and other things and unlink your account from all Apple services. The “Reset to Factory Settings” feature should do the trick.
What to do if your iPhone is stolen
If your iPhone has been stolen, it is critical to know whether the “Find My iPhone” feature is enabled on your iPhone. You can check this in the iCloud settings on your phone if you have it with you.
If “Find My iPhone” is enabled, here is what you should do:
- Go to iCloud.com and find your iPhone. Or do it through the “Find My iPhone” feature on your iOS device.
- Log in with the Apple ID you’ve set for your iPhone.
- Locate your iPhone on the map and choose “Missing Mode” for it.
- Your actions will lock the iPhone with a 4-digit code and display a message on the lock screen — a request to return the iPhone and your contact number. From now on, you will be able to track the route of your iPhone.
- Report the loss of your iPhone to law enforcement. Give them the serial number and IMEI of your iPhone. You can see this information on the iPhone box or the “My Support Profile” page.
If the “Find My iPhone” feature is disabled, Apple won’t help you get your iPhone back, but securing your data is a good idea. First and foremost, change your Apple ID password to cut off the fraudster’s access to your purchases and iCloud information. After that, do this:
- Go to the Apple ID management site.
- Enter your information.
- Open the “Password and Security” section, answer the secret questions, and change your password to a new one.
- There are likely various applications of social networks and other services on the lost iPhone. It is also desirable to change their passwords and end all current sessions.
- Call the support of your operator and ask them to block your phone’s SIM card so that the thief cannot spend money from your account.
These are simple instructions to follow. Knowing them will help you avoid getting in trouble if your iPhone is stolen or lost.
Also Read: Security Aspects To Consider When Video Conferencing!!
Conclusion
If you spend some time and follow all the steps described above, even the most sophisticated attacker won’t be able to take advantage of your data. We hope you will not experience the stress of losing your favorite iPhone.
If this happens, you have already received all the information you need to get out of this situation as painlessly as possible!