7 ways to keep your iOS device safe from hackers and attackers
When we talk about hacking, the things we relate it to are mostly websites and social media accounts. For many people, thinking that their devices can get hacked is far-fetched; while the reality is that big companies like Apple hire white hat hackers to identify and fix security bugs in their system which the Apple officials cannot track and pay a hefty amount to the hackers to do it. We see great technological innovations every day, but with the innovators introducing new things, hackers are also upgrading their skills and technique every day; iClouds and Drives have made our lives easier, but they’ve also opened a gateway for hackers to get into our phone and data. While this isn’t something to panic about, it’s always better to protect your device against potential threats. Here are some 7 ways to keep your ios device safe from hackers and attackers.
1. Set Your Password to The Maximum Length
Initially, Apple offered a four-digit password to its users, but for a while now it has increased the length of the password to be of 6 digits. However, many users still opt for the four-digit password or use no password at all since it saves time. While putting a passcode every time you want to use your phone might seem inconvenient and time taking, it’s worth the hassle in the long run. If you prefer to save time, you might go for the passcode but make sure to use a six-digit one since it is way more secure than a four digit one. If you want more protection on your phone, you can put a password to unlock your phone, using both letters and numbers.
To set a secure password, go to:
I. Open settings
II. Tap touch id & passcode
III. Select change passcode
If you want to customize your passcode, for better security, after step 3:
IV. Select passcode options and tap custom numeric code, or for even more security, custom alphanumeric code
2. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
When Two-Factor Authentication is enabled, one has to use a trusted device when logging into a new device. So, for example, you have an iPhone and have an Apple ID, you buy an iPad and wish to use the same ID as your iPhone. At the time of logging in to the iPad, you’ll get a message on your iPhone asking for approval; if you approve, a verification code will be displayed on your iPhone which you’d have to enter in your iPad to successfully log into the device. If you deny the verification, the iPad will fail to log in with that Apple ID. This security measure is useful because even if someone acquires your password, they won’t be able to log in as you’ll always have the option to approve or deny the attempt. To enable this feature:
I. Open settings
II. Tap on your name at the above of the screen
III. Go to password & security
IV. Select two-factor authentication
3. Update Your Device Regularly
Most iPhone users are skeptical about updating their iOS and a lot of time they are right in doing so since there are problems with the iOS itself up until a few weeks of its launch. However, with every update, Apple fixes minor and major security problems in its operating system. While, it’s highly unpleasant to get a faulty iOS, it’s advised to regularly update your software after a few weeks of a new iOS’s release to prevent hackers from accessing your device. To update your device or check for updates:
I. Go to settings
II. Tap General
III. Tap software update
If there’s an update available, follow the steps to download and install it. If there isn’t, I’d say so.
4. Change Your Apple ID Password Regularly
We often put in the same password for multiple accounts because it’s easier to remember; some websites even save the passwords, and sometimes we log into our accounts while using an unsecured Wi-Fi and these act as potential threats to your security. It is advised to change your Apple ID Password every six months and make it a unique one so that hackers cannot break into your device.
To change your password:
I. Open settings
II. Tap your name at the top
III. Select password & security
IV. Tap change password
5. Be Careful While Opening Links Online
Nowadays, many scammers and hackers use malware links to access your data. Emails and links are labeled as something the user might be interested in like a certain job, or breaking news and viewers are intrigued to click it and hence become a victim of the scam. You can prevent this from happening by opening links and emails only from trusted contacts. For example, if you’re searching for a job and you get an email or message or simply a post online with various job postings, open the link only when you know that it’s from a secure and trusted source, such as AirG Reviews. If the message or email is from an unknown number and asks for something, the odds would suggest that it is most likely it is spam.
6. Never Jailbreak Your Device
Jailbreak allows iOS users to access applications and software which aren’t usually available on their App Store –some believe that it’s the solution to slowing devices as well. While this has its perks, jail-breaking your phone also exposes it to potential threats, like viruses and malware. Also, once your device is jail-broken, its warranty becomes invalid, and Apple doesn’t help in case there’s an issue with the device.
7. Set Your Device to Self-Destruct
Having a highly sensitive and private device comes with a risk a that the device might get stolen. If you are suspicious of losing your device or someone stealing it-try using the self-destruct feature. This feature erases all of your device’s data after ten unsuccessful attempts to unlock the device. While this approach may seem to be a bit extreme, it can be quite useful for someone who doesn’t want to compromise on data that they have and would do everything they can for the security of the data they have. However, it’s better to put your iCloud on automatic back-up, so you don’t lose any data in case the device self-districts.