Sometimes phones get hacked — and it’s a headache when that happens. But just because it’s an incident that happens at times doesn’t mean you should make it as easy as possible for hackers to access your data. There are steps you can take on your end to secure your phone as much as possible. Curbing the permissions that your apps have are a big help, as is making sure your passwords are top-notch and that you aren’t re-using them for every website and app.
A few dangerous iPhone habits could be exposing you to hackers right now. The best way to keep this from happening is to change these four bad iPhone habits.
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1. Leaving Bluetooth Turned On for Apps
Hackers can take control of your data by exploiting Bluetooth if it’s turned on for all of your apps. Giving apps Bluetooth access allows them to collect data about nearby devices (your device!), which might be used to infer your habits, contacts, or even your social network. Only allows apps that need Bluetooth to operate to have it (such as fitness trackers and headphones). Turn it off for all other apps.
2. Location Services is Turned On for All Apps
You might be surprised at the number of apps that are accessing your location and possibly using your location data to sell to advertisers. Apps that are known for this practice include social media, navigation, and free weather apps.
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Scroll through the list to see which apps are marked: Never, Ask Next Time, While Using the App, and Always. Change permissions for apps so that most do not have access to your location, or can only see it when you’re using the app and it’s required.
3. Re-Using the Same Weak Passwords
It’s hard to remember 40 unique passwords, which is why using a password manager is an excellent idea and will generate that password you need without forcing you to remember it (or write it down). Whatever you do, avoid re-using the same weak password — you know the one — your dog’s name with your birthday. Hackers can figure out simple passwords easily.
4. Not Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a setting that makes an enormous difference when it comes to your security. When this setting is enabled, you will be required to enter your regular passcode for a website in addition to a code sent to your phone or email, as an added layer of protection. This two-step process makes it a lot more difficult for hackers to gain entry into websites that have highly confidential data, such as your banking information.
