Privacy in Your Pocket: Easy Ways to Stay Secure on Your iPhone

Cellphones are incredible. They hold onto our bank details, all our conversations, photographs, and sometimes the keys to our working lives too. And because your phone undoubtedly carries such a vast amount of personal information, keeping it secure might feel complicated – but it doesn’t need to be.

By following just a few simple habits and checking some settings, you can build a strong wall around your private life – and keep cybercrime at bay!

 

Small settings to make a big difference

If you use an iPhone, you’ll know that Apple has already provided some brilliant tools – but using them correctly is another thing entirely. Take a few minutes to check these vital settings:

• Review app permissions: When you download a new app, it might often as to access your camera, microphone or photo albums. Ask yourself if the game or service really needs to see your contact list. Go into your settings and check Privacy & Security to switch off unnecessary extras.

• Location, location, location: Many applications track your location constantly – this isn’t just slightly invasive but can massively drain your battery too. Under Location Services, choose the ‘While Using’ option only for apps that need it, like maps. Keep it off for everything else.

• Update everything: Keeping your iPhone’s operating system and all your apps updated is the easiest way to patch up security holes. Don’t procrastinate when you get those notifications – they matter!

 

Everyday habits for your safety

You’re the best security tool you can get hold of! 

If you often work on the go or worry about protecting your online activity, shielding your digital information could be worth it. Using a free VPN for iPhone is a simple solution to this, as it effectively works as an encrypted tunnel for all your internet activity. 

It makes your data unreadable to anyone else on the network, effectively blocking anyone who might be snooping. It’s a robust layer of security, no matter where you are. But that’s not the only way to stay safe on a daily basis. These habits will help you immensely, too:

• Use Face ID to unlock your iPhone
• Secure your personal accounts with multi-factor authentication
• Set auto-lock timers on your screen

 

Knowing the risk of public Wi-Fi

Finally, using free internet in a café or perhaps at the train station is always convenient, but it’s often a public security risk too. These networks are often unsecure, meaning that anyone who knows computers could potentially spy on your activity.

The golden rule is to never log into personal accounts (like your bank accounts or emails) while connected to public Wi-Fi. Save those sensitive tasks for when you’re connected to a secure network at home. 

Learning about the risks is the first step towards a smoother, safer experience on your iPhone. With simple settings and switches, you can browse with confidence.