Apple has added many Safety Features iPhones have been around for years. Nowadays, privacy and data protection are of utmost importance. Therefore, you need to make sure you take advantage of the security tools built into your smartphone to protect yourself and your data and prevent intruders from accessing it. In the following lines, we'll learn about five iPhone security features you should activate now!
Two-factor authentication
With two-factor authentication, you'll need to verify your identity when signing in to your Apple account on a new device or online. This authentication works by sending a six-digit code to a device you're already signed in to, and the sign-in process won't take effect on the new device unless you enter this code from your current device.
If you have a device iPhone If you want to sign in to your iCloud account on your Mac, enter your Apple ID and password and a pop-up window will appear on your iPhone with a code you'll need to enter to verify your identity. You can also set up a trusted phone number to receive a code if you forget your password. To enable two-factor authentication, follow these steps:
- Go to settings then your name
- Then login and security
- Click Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Then enter a trusted phone number.
- A verification code will be sent to your phone.
- Add verification code on iPhone
Security keys
Although security keys were originally designed to enhance security for journalists, celebrities, and politicians, they are an additional security feature for the average user alongside two-factor authentication. You can add physical security keys, as Apple's feature works with any FIDO Certified security key. Security keys, for example, Yubikey Or FEITIANAfter setting up your security key, you can verify your identity using a physical dongle that connects via USB-C or NFC technology. This ensures that no one can hack your account, even if they have access to one of your trusted devices.
Protect stolen devices
Stolen Device Protection is a feature Apple added after criminals became smarter and began monitoring people entering their passcodes before stealing an iPhone. When Stolen Device Protection is enabled, the passcode won't work to access sensitive information like passwords and credit card information. Instead, biometric authentication is required, so if a thief has your iPhone and your passcode, they won't be able to access your accounts.
Also, when Stolen Device Protection is enabled, some of the most sensitive operations and actions require a security delay that prevents your Apple ID password from being changed without biometric authentication, followed by an hour-long delay and additional biometric authentication. The security delay helps provide enough time for you to turn on Find My and Lost Mode and prevents others from attempting to make any changes to your iPhone or Apple ID settings.
Additionally, the feature prevents thieves from accessing passwords, making purchases, turning off Lost Mode and requesting an Apple Card, using the iPhone to set up a new device, and accessing credit cards and Apple Cash. There are delays in signing out of your Apple account, changing your password, resetting settings, and turning off the stolen device protection feature.
The stolen device protection feature is automatically activated when the iPhone is away from familiar locations such as home or work. To activate the feature, do the following:
- Go to Settings
- Then tap on Face or Fingerprint and passcode
- Then add the device's access code.
- Next, enable the stolen device protection feature.
Hide your IP address using iCloud (Private Relay)
Private Relay is more of a privacy feature than a security feature. It hides your IP address and browsing activity in Safari. It also protects unencrypted internet traffic, so no one can see what you're doing even if you're connected to an unsecured, public Wi-Fi network.
To take advantage of the Private Relay feature, you must first subscribe to iCloud Plus, which costs $0.99 per month for 50GB of storage. It's also recommended to take advantage of the Email Anonymization feature, as it will give you temporary email addresses to subscribe to and register for web services instead of using your personal email. To enable Private Relay with iCloud, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Then click on your name and then iCloud
- Choose to hide your IP address.
Lockdown Mode
Apple designed this feature for journalists, activists, government employees, and others who may be vulnerable to cyberattacks and advanced spyware. Lockdown Mode changes the way features and apps work as follows:
- Messages: Most types of message attachments, as well as links, are blocked.
- Web Browsing: Some complex web technologies are disabled.
- FaceTime: Incoming FaceTime calls are blocked unless you have previously called that person.
- Apple Services: Invitations to Apple services from unknown people are blocked.
- Photos: When sharing photos, location information is excluded and shared albums are removed.
Calls and messages will continue, but configuration profiles cannot be installed and your device will not connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
To activate the lock or block mode, follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Then privacy and security
- Press the insurance mode
Conclusion
Finally, we've identified five iPhone security features you should activate now. These features are essential to protecting your sensitive information and data and preserving your privacy from potential threats. It will take a few minutes to activate these features, but afterward, you'll have peace of mind knowing your iPhone has the best possible protection.
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