One of the winning features over iOS is that, even out of the box and without any tweaking, it is a truly secure platform. Rarely is there a suspicious app that hits the App Store, and Apple has struck the perfect balance between too little security.
Must read: I wish I had found this iPhone accessory years ago
# 1: make sure you have a secure access code
Don’t be that person who depends on 000000 or 123456 to protect their information. You’re better than that. Better.
Go Configurations > Face ID and access code (or Touch ID and password on older iPhones), enter your existing passcode, and then tap Passcode Options to get a set of options. Choose between Custom alphanumeric code (the safest) or Custom numeric code (second best option), or 4-digit numeric code (I do not recommend this last option).
# 2: control leaks
Data leak that is.
Take control of how much or little information you want accessible on a locked device.
iOS 13 gives control over the following:
- Watch today
- Notification Center
- Control center
- Siri
- Reply with message
- Household control
- Wallet
- Return missed call
- USB accessories
I have everything disabled except Home Control and Wallet.
The bottom line is that the more you crash, the more secure your device and data will be. The USB accessory feature is especially useful as it will prevent the Lightning port from being used to connect to any accessory if your iPhone or iPad has been locked for more than an hour.
Go Configurations > Face ID and access code (or Touch ID and password on older iPhones) and enter your current password to take control of this.
# 3: Have you been naughty and have been reusing passwords?
If you use the iCloud keychain to store web passwords, you can now use this to verify password reuse (which is bad, so don’t do it!).
Go Configurations > Passwords and Accounts > Website and app passwords and authenticate with Face ID / Touch ID or your password.
You will see a gray triangle with an exclamation mark next to any reused entry. To change the password, touch Change password on the website.
# 4: reduce the lock screen timeout to a minimum
The shorter the lock screen timeout setting (there are options ranging from 30 seconds to never), the faster authentication of your iPhone or iPad will be required to access it.
My advice: never set it up for ever. Never!
You can change the auto lock time by going to Configurations > Screen and brightness > Automatic lock.
# 5: Hide notification previews
Prevent random spies from seeing your data by hiding notification previews.
Go Configurations > Notificationsthen touch Show previews and choose When unlocked.
Bonus tip # 1
Restart your iPhone every week or so. This will not only improve performance, but is also an easy way to protect yourself from remote vulnerabilities.
Bonus tip # 2
Download and install iVerify.
iVerify is a security scanner that makes sure you are using basic security features like Face / Touch ID, Screen Lock and that you are running the latest version of iOS. It also runs a scan of the device that looks for security anomalies and alerts you if something seems out of place.
The app also offers you a very comprehensive list of settings and changes that you can make to keep your device safe. Many of these are probably overkill for the average user, but for the advanced or security conscious user, the app is an information goldmine.
iVerify isn’t free, it costs $ 2.99, but it’s really worth it if you take security seriously. I know iOS very well, and I even learned some new things by reviewing all the guides contained in this application.
