The iPhone is highly valued for many things, chief among these things being its security. The iOS is very secure, with its App Store listing nothing but the best apps. These apps go through rigorous testing to ensure they have no bugs. However, even with top-notch security, no system is foolproof. You have to take extra measures to protect your device. These measures prevent clever hackers from finding loop-holes to infiltrate your iPhone. The guide is needed to protecting your iPhone.
A mobile threat is unlike a PC threat because, unlike PCs, an iPhone user does not have to keep logging in and out. Some people do not have app or screen locks, and the apps are often running in the background. This makes it easy for someone to take your phone and access your apps and data.
What are security threats facing the iPhone?
Contrary to popular assumptions, the iPhone faces several threats, which include the following.
- Trustjacking
Trustjacking is a relatively new iPhone threat. If you plug your iPhone into the USB port of an unsecured PC, the iOS asks if you trust that PC as it (the computer) will gain access to your data. This is where the name Trustjacking comes from, as your iPhone’s trust for a PC is ‘jacked,’ or ‘hijacked.’
When you click yes to whether you trust the PC, this creates a vulnerability that exploits the iTunes WiFi Sync feature. This feature allows you to manage your iPhone without connecting it physically to your computer.
- Device loss
The loss of an iPhone is a big blow to any iPhone user. However, it can and does happen, which means that your phone will be out there with all your data. You can do little to prevent theft or loss, but you have to be prepared for it anyway.
- Hacking and Malware attacks
As mentioned before, the iPhone only allows users to download apps from the official App Store. However, some users want to download third-party apps that are not on the App Store. Jailbreaking is a method used to bypass the iPhone restrictions and download these apps. Jailbreaking breaks down your iPhone’s security and creates vulnerabilities in the system, which hackers can exploit.
At the same time, malware attacks can happen when you download an infected third-party app. Malware is malicious software designed to harm your phone or steal your data. Malware includes spyware, adware, etc.
- Public WiFi
Most people love taking advantage of free WiFi. Most of us will quickly ask for the password in coffee shops or restaurants. This is the situation where hackers prey on unsuspecting victims. You are at risk of attacks like Man-in-the-middle attacks, where a hacker hijacks communication between two parties. Each party assumes they are communicating with the other while they are communicating with the hackers.
- Phishing
Phishing is an astonishingly common threat and occurs when you click on infected links or download infected attachments. Unlike when you use a PC, it is not easy for an iPhone user to see the full URL of the site or link they click on.
This makes it easier for malicious actors to send you phishing links. Phishing is an attempt to steal your data, and when you click on these links, they ask you for your details such as name, passwords, or credit card details. These details are used to hack you, or your identity is stolen and used for fraud or other malicious acts.
How to Mitigate these Risks
- Activate Find My iPhone
All iPhones come with an ingenious feature called Find My iPhone. This feature helps you to track your iPhone if it is stolen or gets lost. Find My iPhone allows you to erase all data on the iPhone remotely. If the phone was stolen, the thief cannot gain access to your data.
- Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network allows you to log into the internet with stealth. A VPN for iPhone creates a safe space via which your phone can log into the internet. The VPN hides your IP address, making it impossible for anyone tracking you to know your actual physical location.
A VPN allows you to log into public or unsecured networks by encrypting your communication. If anyone is eavesdropping on your communication and trying to use the man-in-the-middle attack, they cannot penetrate the encryption.
- Restrict app permission
Most times, we give apps permissions they do not need. If an app does not need access to your contacts to function, why provide it with access? Go to all your apps and restrict all permission. Some apps may misbehave, but you can either put up with their misbehavior or compromise your security and privacy.
- Activate Firewall
The iPhone has an inbuilt firewall. Activating the firewall detects any malware or suspicious activity attempting to infiltrate your iPhone.
- Strong passwords
As we have established, people do not set passwords on their phones, and if they do, they are weak. Since most passwords or codes are easy to guess, anybody can access your phone and your apps, especially banking apps, if you misplace your phone. Ensure your passcode has a combination of upper and lowercase alphabets, special symbols, and numbers.
- Avoid links and attachments
If you receive an email or text message that asks you to click on the link or download an attachment, ignore it. It could be a phishing scam. Go to your PC browser and look at the URL of the site. If the URL starts with HTTPS, it is legit, while one that begins with HTTP is a scam.
Read More: Top 5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Email Security - Use the official App Store
Avoid jailbreaking your phone. The apps in the App Store are legit and scanned for bugs. If you jailbreak your iPhone, the Apple warranty becomes null and void.
Conclusion
An iPhone is a sophisticated phone with excellent security. However, all hackers need is a weak link, which they will exploit to infiltrate your iPhone. Avoid third-party apps and jailbreaking your phone. There is a reason why those third-party apps did not make it into the App Store. Follow these few tips and be responsible and vigilant- all a hacker needs is a small loop-hole to attack.
