6 security iPhone and iPad
Most of us have smartphones loaded with sensitive data to log into our accounts, contacts, emails, photos, videos, and other data that we don't want to fall into the wrong hands.
security settings iPhone and iPad users need to change right immediately
Most of us have smartphones loaded with sensitive data to log into our accounts, contacts, emails, photos, videos, and other data that we don't want to fall into the wrong hands.
The problem is that once we get our devices, we start using them immediately, without any thought of the risks.
Your iPhone or iPad may be infected with a virus or malware now, and it sends your confidential account data to anyone.
Many people even now think that Apple products are immune to viruses and malware, but this is not true.
IPhone protection settings
Here are some privacy settings that you need to activate, whether you have an iPhone or a new iPad, or you have a device for years. These settings will help protect your device, as well as your social media accounts, and your privacy as well, according to Fox News.
1. Create a secure passcode and run biometrics
IOS devices are known for their level of protection. In fact, competitors are trying hard to clone some of Apple's secure systems, such as Apple Pay, Touch ID, or Face ID.
When you set up the device for the first time, you will be prompted to create a passcode. Many people try to bypass this part by creating an "easy" passcode, but this should not be taken lightly. It is the main way to lock your phone from the outside world, leaving it unprotected, or a "strong lock" that makes it vulnerable to any bad external uses.
When switching on the device, follow the instructions for creating a passcode, and choose a set of numbers that are easy to remember, but difficult to guess. And maybe you could write it on an outside piece of paper just in case you forget it.
By default, the system will ask you to set up a 6-digit passcode, which is fairly safe. Don't use fewer numbers than this, even if it's easier for you, protecting your device is worth more.
If you skip this part while setting up the device, open the Settings app to access the Fingerprint / Face ID & Passcode (Touch ID / Face ID & Passcode) setting.
If this setting is not enabled, click to turn on the passcode, and enter the 6-digit code. Once you have set up the code, you can set up any biometric settings like fingerprint or facial recognition technology. The choice of technology used depends on your device, and whether it has the Home button. Click Add a fingerprint or set up facial recognition and follow the instructions on the screen.
2. Addressing hackers with accessories
Although iPhones and iPads are protected, there is a new way for hackers to gain access to these devices, and that is through malicious USB connections. It is possible to connect a modified USB device to any iOS device to easily access personal data if it is not well protected.
But the good thing is that Apple has thought about it proactively, and its devices have included an option that restricts access via a USB connection on iOS. To access this option, go to the Fingerprint / Face ID and Passcode Setting menu in the Settings app, and scroll down to the bottom. You will see an option called "USB Accessories". Make sure that this option is disabled and disabled.
Doing so, your phone will restrict access to data on your device if it remains locked and idle for an hour or more. This means any USB accessories will only be useful for charging, and you won't be able to access any data.
3. Prevent others from using your home screen to bypass the lock
Apple tends to draw a clear line between security and ease of use, and the iOS home screen is a testament to this. When the device is locked with a passcode or biometric, the iPhone or iPad will allow certain features, such as responding to text messages, or reconnecting directly from the notifications shown on the screen when the device screen is locked.
Sometimes this can be useful to you when you are not able to log in to your phone, but it can have dangerous side effects on protecting your device. Your hacker friend might be able to grab your phone and respond to your text messages if he sees the message notification on the screen.
To limit lock screen access on iOS devices, we will revisit the Fingerprint / Face Recognition Setup & Passcode menu. Browse to the bottom until you find a section titled Allow access when locked, and here you can disable certain settings, such as Siri, replies to messages, and block access to these functions without a passcode.
4. Automatic updates to stay ahead of any threats
Hackers and cybercriminals are always evolving their tactics, which means that all the security settings and measures on your device may become obsolete within weeks. Security holes always appear in operating systems, which is why companies like Apple release new updates and releases to improve and protect their products.
If you prefer not to constantly search for new updates to download, you can direct your phone to download and install them automatically. This will keep your device ahead of all known threats.
To activate automatic updates, open Settings, then choose "General", then choose Software Update. In this list you will see the updates available for download. Choose update if the opportunity arises, then make sure that the automatic updates setting is enabled and turned on.
This will download and install updates overnight when your phone is connected to the charger and Wi-Fi network. Remember that if you do not charge your phone at night, the updates will not be installed on the phone.
Remember that not all Apple updates are perfect, as some updates have major problems that may disable some features on the device, but Apple will quickly address the matter with new versions to fix the defective updates.
5. Set tracking location
Apple is better than other companies when it comes to privacy, but it will still track your location if you visit some places frequently.
Fortunately, you can disable this. To stop tracking the sites that you frequently visit, go to settings, then privacy, then choose the site, then system services, and choose important sites. You can disable this feature to prevent the device from tracking sites that it thinks are important to you.
6. Prevent Apple from recording your requests from the Siri personal assistant program
Companies like Amazon have come under fire for recording and dumping their interactions with their users, and Apple has faced the same.But the company claimed that it stopped these practices unconditionally, but it will continue to record the content if it obtains the necessary permissions to do so from users, because this helps Apple to improve the voice recognition program. But if you are not comfortable being a guinea pig, you can turn off and disable that option.
To access the audio review settings, open the Settings app, select Privacy, then scroll down, and open Analytics & Improvements. Here, look for an option titled Optimize Siri and Dictation to disable it. This will stop Apple from storing and offloading your Siri requests to improve their systems.
With these modifications, you will have a more secure and private experience on your device, but nevertheless beware of what you share on social media, and try to keep your phone as personal as possible, otherwise these settings will not be able to protect you adequately.