Top 9 iPhone Security Tips

Apple’s iPhone is one of the most widely used cellular phones. Below are some basic and easy tips that will help you make your iPhone secure.

1 – The first and foremost advice about iPhone security is: never leave your iPhone unlocked. This rule applies to all portable or mobile devices that contain personal or sensitive data. On the iPhone, this can be accomplished by enabling the auto-lock feature.

2 – The auto-lock feature locks the screen when left unused for a specified amount of time. The auto-lock feature of the iPhone not only saves battery power; it also ensures protection and security. A pin code can also be applied on top of auto-lock to enhance the iPhone security.

3 – The passcode feature can be timed to turn on after five, ten, fifteen, thirty, or sixty minutes after the auto-lock feature has been applied. This feature includes “SMS preview” and “erase data” options. The SMS preview feature shows a one-line preview of SMS whenever it is received. The erase data feature deletes all data present in the iPhone’s memory after ten failed passcode attempts. This feature can also increase the interval between passcode entry attempts, up to one day between attempts.

4 – Wi-Fi connectivity is another must-have function of the iPhone. It lets you connect to and enjoy high-speed internet when you are in the range of a Wi-Fi hotspot. But ignoring necessary precautionary measures before connecting to a wireless network can have serious repercussions. Before connecting your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network, you must check your network for Wi-Fi-protected access or any other wireless security protocol.

5 – Changing the name of your home (default) wireless network can be helpful to increase your iPhone security. It diminishes the chances of accidentally connecting to another unsecure network with the same name and configuration. Always use the iPhone ‘Ask to join’ option. Using this option, your iPhone will ask for permission before connecting to any wireless network.

6 – Always disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Learn how to secure wifi) when not in use. This will not only put your iPhone in a battery-saving mode; it will also protect your iPhone from connecting to unsecure networks and receiving malicious data. If you are a corporate user and want to access your business emails via iPhone, the most secure way to do so is by using Lotus Notes or a Microsoft Exchange server. For domestic users using mail services such as Gmail, the SSL service of the iPhone would do the job for you, but it’s still important for you to make sure that the SSL feature is turned on. It can be accessed in the “advanced settings” tab.

7 – While surfing the Internet via your iPhone, always make sure you are using a secure and safe browser with all its safety and security mechanisms on and working. The popup blocker must be active and working, and you may also check the cookies settings to increase security. To protect your iPhone from unauthorized usage, always set the device usage restrictions according to the way you use your iPhone.

8 – Always keep your iPhone protected and secure by keeping up with Apple’s updates. You have to manually download and apply these updates, so always stay aware of the developments.

9 – These updates are often made available by Apple in the form of patches. Keep track of the latest updates, and download and apply them whenever they are available. Never jailbreak your iPhone. Jailbreaking an iPhone disables your iPhone security.