No matter how careful you are about updating your iPhone software and keeping yourself safe when using public Wifi (which means no Amazon shopping or paying bills from the local coffee shop), there may be things you aren’t even considering that are jeopardizing your security. It’s not always easy to keep on top of the latest phone security recommendations, but if you can just stash a few of the biggest risks in your back pocket, they can prove extremely helpful. There are several settings that Tech Expert Ayush Shah at technographx says could jeopardize your security, unbeknownst to you. Here are the most common ones:
Automatic Wi-Fi Connections
The iPhone comes with a very handy feature that allows it to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks, Shah says — nevertheless, this convenience can expose you to some risks. “Your iPhone may end up connecting to a Wi-Fi network that is not secure, thereby making it easy for hackers to set up fake networks that appear authentic but are intended to compromise your personal data,” Shah says. “To avoid falling prey to such malicious activities, it is advisable to disable the automatic Wi-Fi connection and only connect to reliable networks that you can trust.”
Siri suggestions
By allowing Siri to suggest actions and content based on your usage, Shah warns you are potentially sharing personal information with Apple and other third-party apps. “It’s important to review which apps have access to Siri suggestions and disable it for apps that you don’t trust,” Shah says.
Touch ID and Face ID
“Touch ID and Face ID are convenient features that allow you to unlock your phone quickly and easily,” Shah says. “However, if someone else has access to your fingerprint or face, they can also unlock your phone. To protect yourself, only enable Touch ID and Face ID for apps that you trust and turn off these features for all other apps.”
Ad tracking
Apple offers a feature called “Limit Ad Tracking” that allows you to opt-out of targeted advertising. “However, some apps may still track your behavior and usage for advertising purposes,” Shah says. “It’s important to review the settings for ad tracking and disable it for apps that you don’t trust or want to limit access to your information.”
Take these steps to help minimize the security risks associated with a number of iPhone settings and features.
