These days, keeping your personal information and data safe is essential, as we’re living in a high-tech world.
Most people can agree that their iPhones are their ‘world,’ holding a whole lot of their personal information, from their identification details to their bank accounts. Although iPhones come with their own safety features, they can’t protect you from everything. That’s why we’re listing three tips and changes you should make in order to keep your data as safe as possible. Read more about them below.
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1. Stop Using FaceID As A Login Shortcut
For some iPhone users, one of their favorite features is FaceID, which allows you to log into any app or website you need just by scanning your face. It saves you from having to remember login information, as well as the minute or two it might take you to type it all in. However, it removes a layer of data protection.
"There have been countless examples of governments, law enforcement, and bad actors utilizing a person's FaceID to access their phone without their consent," explains tech safety pro Wes Anderson. "Don't give them the opportunity to do so. While FaceID is incredibly convenient, having a passcode, preferably a 6-digit or longer option, is more secure. That being said, make sure it's unique to your phone and not a recycled or favorite pin code that could be used as a username or login credential included in a data breach."
2. Update Your iPhone Software Regularly
Some people wait a really long time before they update their iPhone with the newest iOS software. Additionally, some have a preconceived notion that updating your iPhone ages it faster, making you need to buy a new one sooner. However, updating your phone is incredibly important for not just your device's efficiency, but your safety.
"Apple doesn't just release new software to give you new features. It releases important security patches this way," says data privacy lawyer Alia Luria. "I always make sure my phone is updated with the latest software so that I'm getting all the security patches that have been put out there. If your phone is older, and it's stopped being supported by Apple (e.g., they aren't even sending you security patches), it may be time to look into a new phone, because your phone may still be vulnerable if there's a security hole on that iOS version that's still exploitable."
3. Back Up Your iCloud
iCloud is a great tool for keeping everything important on your phone safe, from your app data to your photo album. It can also be a great backup if, for some reason, you need to wipe your iPhone, like if it gets into the hands of the wrong person.
"Back up to iCloud and set your phone to remote wipe if someone enters your passcode incorrectly 10 times," adds Luria. "This seems scary, but having the ability to remotely wipe your device or have it automatically wipe if someone tries to crack it gives you an extra layer of security around your data. As a data privacy lawyer, I do every single one of these 5 things with my devices to protect not just my data but my clients' data as well. If your phone is lost, great, wipe it, and the data is stored on iCloud, so you'll be able to retrieve it if you get your device back or have to buy a new phone. It's scary, I know, but just do it."
