Phone security isn't one of the most interesting topics to think about, but with the bad guys out there becoming more and more numerous, it's something worth thinking about more seriously.
So here's a list of eight easy ways you can increase the security of your iPhone.
- Enable "Limit Ad Tracking"
Apple may provide limited information to the user about apps with advertising, which it promises “delivers ads based on your interests.” If you’d rather not be targeted with such ads, you can opt out. From the “Settings” menu, go to “Privacy,” then scroll down to the right and find “Advertising.” Open it, then turn on “Limit Ad Tracking.”.
- Turn off location-based ads
Similarly, Apple's advertising technology will show you ads based on your location. You can turn them off by going to "Settings," "Privacy," "Location Services," then "System Services" and turning off "Location-Based Apple Ads.".
- Stop connecting to Wi-Fi networks blindly
Go to “Settings,” then “Wi-Fi,” and find the option that notifies your iPhone of new Wi-Fi networks. Turn it on to avoid connecting to a network you don’t trust.
- Create a custom alphanumeric password
The iPhone’s current default for a security passcode is a six-digit number, but it’s possible to change it to a super-secure alphanumeric passcode. To do this, go to “Touch ID & Passcode” in your settings. Select “Change Passcode,” and then, after you’ve entered your old passcode, tap on the blue text at the bottom of the screen that says “Passcode Options.” From here, you can choose what type of passcode you want. Long, alphanumeric passes are the hardest to crack.
- Use a PIN for your SIM card
Add an extra layer of protection for your SIM card with a PIN number. This means that every time you remove your SIM card, it will be locked until the correct PIN code is entered. Go to “Settings,” “Phone,” and then “SIM PIN.” Enable your PIN here, just make sure you know the number (which will be given to you by your carrier) before making any changes.
- Restrict lock screen activities
If you have a passcode enabled, you can limit what can be done with your phone while it's locked. You can disable Siri, Apple Pay and Wallet, replies to messages, and notifications while the screen is locked. Just go to “Touch ID & Passcode,” then look for the section titled “Allow access when locked” and turn it off.
- Make Safari more secure
There are a few things you can do to make your iPhone's default browser more secure. Disabling any "Autofill" actions is probably a wise move, as no passwords are saved in your phone's browser.
- Use the “Erase Data” option after 10 password attempts
Finally, if the worst happens and your phone is lost, stolen, or falls into the wrong hands, the iPhone has a built-in measure to erase all your personal data. You'll need to have a passcode enabled, then in the "Touch ID & Passcode" section of your settings, you can enable the option to erase all data on your iPhone after 10 failed attempts to unlock it. Simply enable the "Erase Data" option.
