Top 10 Ways to Keep Your iPhone Secure from Hackers

by Daniel Raymond · March 29, 2024

Apple is increasingly implementing layers of security to prevent devices from being hacked. This can reduce the incidence of hacking, but the methods hackers use keep evolving. An iPhone may be safer than an Android phone, but it is still possible for it to be hacked. You need to know how to keep it secure. If your device is compromised, all your sensitive information could be accessed by a hacker.

Table of Contents

1. Don’t fall for phishing scams

A phishing scam is a common way for an attacker to trick someone into revealing sensitive personal information. A phishing email may appear from a legitimate source, such as a company you trust. Clicking on a link in the email or downloading an attachment could lead to a fake website or inject malware directly onto your phone. Stay vigilant, don’t click on a link to a website unless you know it’s legitimate, and don’t download an attachment unless you specifically requested it or it’s from someone you know and trust.

You may ask the question “Is someone hacking my iPhone?” There are various signs that indicate an iPhone hacked, including a drop in battery life and performance. Contacts may say you are spamming them, and you discover messages you didn’t send. Higher-than-normal usage and unrecognized apps and popups are other signs your iPhone has been compromised.

It helps to know what to dial to see if your phone is hacked. You can use special codes to get information from the Global System for mobile communications. For example, if you aren’t receiving calls and texts from your contacts, a hacker could redirect them. You can type in *#062# on the keypad and tap the Send button to find out. The resulting phone number is where your calls and texts are being redirected.

If your iPhone is hacked, installing and running anti-malware is essential. Change your passwords and delete any suspicious apps. You could also perform a full factory reset of your phone. Changing your cyber security habits can help you to protect your iPhone in the future. This will involve taking actions like avoiding connecting to unsecured WiFi networks.

2. Never jailbreak your device

You may decide to jailbreak your iPhone to access apps or software you can’t find in the Apple ecosystem. This removes the software restrictions, but it also negates some of the existing security measures. Apps you find in unlicensed third-party stores aren’t vetted according to Apple’s rigorous security standards. When you download them, you risk infecting your device with malware.

3. Use a strong password

If you want to know how to protect your iPhone, using a strong alphanumeric password is essential. Six-digit passcodes have been the default on Apple devices for a while now. If you back up your phone on iCloud, someone can easily download the backup if they crack your password. They don’t even need to hack your phone.

Using a strong password and changing it regularly adds a layer of security to your iPhone. To generate secure and unique passwords, you can use iCloud Keychain. This means you won’t even have to remember your password.

4. Enable two-factor authentication

Turning on two-factor authentication offers an additional security layer. You can use a trusted device to log in to a new device. If you get a new Mac and sign in with your Apple ID for the first time, you will receive a notification on your iPhone. It will ask for approval; if you allow it, your iPhone will display a verification code. Once you enter the code, your new device is approved.

5. Limit app permissions to only what’s necessary

Apps may request permission to access your location, camera, microphone, contact list, etc. You don’t have to allow all of them. Giving apps access to certain areas of your iPhone can expose your confidential data. Limit your permissions to only what’s necessary for the app to function. To check the permissions you have granted to an app, go to Settings, scroll down to the app you want to check, and select it. You can toggle off permissions you don’t want it to have.

6. Update your iOS frequently

Apple regularly issues updates for its iOS system. This helps to secure your iPhone by plugging weaknesses that could put it at risk. You should download and install an update as soon as it becomes available. This will deal with any bugs or vulnerabilities in previous operating system versions. Go to Settings>General>Software Update to check whether an update is available. You can set your iPhone to download and install updates automatically.

7. Don’t use unsecured Wi-Fi networks

Using public Wi-Fi networks to pay bills, log in to accounts, and engage in other private activities opens you up to cyber threats. If you need to use public Wi-Fi networks, you must find out how to ensure your iPhone is secure. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) ensures that your internet activity stays private when using public Wi-Fi. It protects your privacy by encrypting all your internet traffic through a secure ‘tunnel’.

8. Be wary of charging your iPhone using public USB ports

Charging stations are very convenient if you need to charge your iPhone. The problem is that their security can’t be guaranteed. Hackers can create false ‘charging ports’ in public areas. A charging cable may pair your iPhone to one of these false ports. Hackers can access it anytime if they’re within range of your wireless network.

You can avoid using public charging stations and keep a small battery pack to charge your device when you’re on the go. You can also attach a USB data blocker to your USB charging cable before plugging it into a port in a public area. It will prevent a malware-infected USB port from transferring malware onto your iPhone or harvesting data.

9. Enable the Find My iPhone feature

If your iPhone gets lost or stolen, you can find it using another Apple device, such as a Mac. To do this, you need to activate the Find My feature. Open the Settings menu and tap on your name. Select Find My and enable Find My iPhone.

You can also wipe data remotely to ensure unauthorized individuals can’t access personal information on your device. To erase confidential data on an iPhone that has been stolen or lost:

Open the Find My app.
Select the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
Tap your iPhone name in the list of your devices.
Scroll down to the bottom and tap Erase This Device.
Follow any prompts on the screen to confirm.

10. Disable Siri on the lock screen

Having Siri as a digital assistant on your iPhone can be very helpful. It may be uncommon for attackers to hack your iPhone using Siri, but it is possible. Someone may pick up your phone and use Siri to access your data. If you turn off Siri on your lock screen, the attacker will need a password to gain access. To disable Siri on your lock screen:

Go to Settings>Touch ID and Passcode.
Enter your Passcode.
Select Siri & Search.
Toggle to disable Allow Siri When Locked.

Conclusion

Knowing basic cybersecurity hacks is essential today, where hackers constantly look for opportunities to steal your personal information or scam you financially. Apple greatly emphasizes user privacy and security across its devices, including iPhones. However, you still need to understand what cyber threats exist. Despite all the security measures, it is still possible for an iPhone to be hacked. The above information will help you identify the risks and take your iPhone security to another level.