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Most Apple users tend to assume that the iOS system is immune to hacking. While iOS is more secure than most systems, it is still vulnerable to hacking. Tech companies such as Apple pay white hat hackers colossal amounts to look for loopholes and bugs. Hackers can attack iOS even with the layers of security that Apple has for protecting your devices. 

Here are a few tips you can implement to ensure your iPhone stays safe from hackers.

Never jailbreak your device.

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One important tip for keeping your device safe from hacking is never to jailbreak your iOS device. Jailbreaking involves bypassing all the restrictions that Apple puts on the OS. You can install any software and apps that are not Apple authorized, and at the same time, remove the in-built Apple security that could benefit viruses and malware. A jailbroken iPhone’s warranty is void, and Apple cannot help you if your device malfunctions.

Get a Virtual Private Network

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an app you can use to keep your iPhone secure. One of the benefits of VPNs is they create a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. It allows you to hide your IP address and location. 

Most importantly, it encrypts your data and prevents anyone from intercepting that data from accessing it. Most people love to log in to free Wi-Fi networks such as malls or airports, where hackers lurk and snoop. With a VPN, you can safely connect to such systems.

Use the iCloud Keychain to generate passwords.

The most significant vulnerability on an iPhone is the passwords you use to access data. If you are the type that uses the same password across various websites, you are at a considerable risk of hacking. Hackers often target services and websites that seemingly have little valuable data, especially forums that require you to log in. Once the hackers get into these services, they collect as many passwords as they can.

The hackers rightly assume that the owners use the same credentials in other places such as the iCloud. They try out all the collected passwords and get lucky every so often. If the hackers get through a website with your password, you happen to use the same password on iCloud; they can hack your iCloud account.

They can send emails using your accounts or get sensitive data from the backups on iCloud. Luckily, Apple has a fix for this on iCloud Keychain. The service solves this issue by generating secure passwords and storing them, ensuring you do not remember them. It makes every password unique and harder to crack.

Update iOS regularly

Updating your iPhone with the latest software is the best way to ensure your device is safe from hacking. With every update, Apple enhances the security features and improves any weak aspects previously neglected and might have allowed hackers to get in. 

You can update your device by:

  • Open your Settings app
  • Select General
  • Tap on Software Update, and if an update is available, download and install.

Turn on the ‘Find My’ app for your device.

When you turn on the ‘Find My’ on your iPhone, you can tell where your iPhone uses another device or computer using iCloud.com. It helps you find your device if it is lost, but more importantly, you can erase all data on your device remotely, keeping data safe.

You can turn on the ‘Find My’ by:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap on Find My
  • Tap on Find my iPhone
  • Toggle the Find My iPhone to on

If the options ‘Enable Offline Finding’ and ‘Send last location’ are available, toggle them on. These options locate the device, even if the battery is down or away from the cell range.

You can erase data from your lost or stolen iPhone by:

  • Open Find My app
  • Tap on the Devices tab at the screen bottom
  • Tap on Name of your iPhone in the device list
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap erase this device.

Set your device to self-destruct

The self-destruct feature does not self-destruct. It is possible to turn on the setting that wipes all data from your device after ten failed password attempts. Only turn this on if you have sensitive information on your phone, and you have enabled automatic iCloud backup.

To turn on Erase data:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap on Touch (Face) ID and password
  • Please scroll down to erase data and toggle it on

Enable the two-factor authentication

Using iCloud Keychain removes the worry of remembering passwords or password duplication. The downside is that any hacker who gains access to your iCloud account gains access to all the save passwords. To make your Apple and iCloud ID secure, use Apple’s Two-Factor Authentication. When this feature is enabled, you use a different but trusted device to log in to another device.

For instance, if you get a new iPhone and log into your Apple ID, your trusted device such as your iPad will be notified for approval. If enabled, your iPhone displays a verification code, which you enter into your new iPad for support. This feature allows you to tell when someone tries to log into your Apple ID account. This feature works for iOS 9 and later, but has been a default feature since iOS 11. 

To turn it on:

  • Go to Settings
  • At the top, tap on your Name 
  • Select Password & Security 
  • Choose Two- Factor Authentication

Change your Apple ID password often. 

Your Apple ID is exceptionally crucial for your iPhone’s general security. If this ID gets compromised, the hacker gains access to your iCloud Keychain, iCloud, iTunes, etc. By regularly changing the Apple ID, you add an extra security layer to your iPhone. 

If hackers gain access to your phone, the password change will lock them out as soon as you change your password. Create a new password every six months. With two-factor authentication, you can change the ID on your device by:

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap Apple ID
  • Tap on Password & Security
  • Select Change password
  • You will be prompted to enter iPhone Passcode

Conclusion

The assumption that iPhones are hack-proof is dangerous. Hackers get more sophisticated by the day. They always find ways to get around security layers. The onus is on you to be careful by using caution when using your phone. Jailbreaking is the most common way iPhone users get themselves into trouble. Bypassing the restrictions set by Apple puts you at the risks of being hacked. Follow these tips to stay secure!

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By Amy Cavendish

Open Source Contributor/Part-TIme Coder at The TechFools

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