iOS Security Secrets: Protecting Your Device with Clever Hacks

Our readers often ask if their iPhones can be hacked and how to determine if they have been hacked. The answer is yes, iPhones can be hacked despite Apple’s continuous efforts to enhance security measures. To ensure your safety and peace of mind in this digital era, let’s explore ways to shield your iPhone from hackers and viruses. Here are our iPhone security secrets that significantly increase the hacker resistance of your device.

How Do You Protect an iPhone with Clever Hacks?

#1 Turn On Stolen Device Protection

If you’re concerned about the security of your iPhone and the risk of theft, updating your phone is recommended. Apple’s latest iOS 17.3 beta introduces an innovative security feature called Stolen Device Protection, designed to impede even the most cunning thieves.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, this beta includes a new feature called Stolen Device Protection, which serves as a final defense in case your iPhone is stolen and the thief gains access to your passcode. By activating this feature, you can effectively thwart their plans.

Without the inclusion of this feature, a thief only needs your passcode to gain complete access to your iPhone. They can change your Apple ID password to prevent you from remotely wiping the device, disable Find My, and access all your stored passwords, including those for accounts and credit cards.

#2 Clean the Device Periodically

We would recommend this measure even if you ask how to increase iPhone productivity. The thing is that an excessive amount of data means additional risks for the device. If you keep your apps minimalist, the risk of hacking will be reduced. Also, do not store a large amount of valuable photos on your device; iCloud is for this.

First, you can use a phone cleaner to clear the memory. With the cleaner app, you can quickly find similar photos and videos and compress the video before uploading it to the cloud. CleanerUp has other valuable features; you can learn more on the app’s App Store page. This is a data monitoring tool that will protect you if your device is ever stolen.

#3 Avoid Jailbreak

To safeguard your iPhone from hackers, the foremost advice is simple: never jailbreak your device. Jailbreaking provides access to non-Apple apps and software, but it also exposes your phone to viruses and malware. Furthermore, jailbreaking your iPhone voids its warranty, depriving you of Apple’s assistance if any issues arise with your device.

#4 Use Only Trusted Charging Stations

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of charging stations available in airports, cafes, and other public places. These stations offer convenience but may not guarantee iPhone security. Clever hackers take advantage of this by creating false “charging ports” that can not only supply power but also access your iPhone’s data. Lightning cables allow both charging and data transmission. When your iPhone is paired with a juice-jacking charging station within range of your wireless network, an instant hacker can wirelessly access your device without your knowledge.

To prevent this, it is recommended to carry a small battery pack to charge your devices when they are running low. This way, you can charge everything at home and have extra power while on the go. If you prefer to use a charging cable outside, consider purchasing a data-blocking cable.

#5 Be Careful With Public Wi-Fi Networks

As public networks inherently lack security, hackers find public Wi-Fi networks to be an easy target. You should utilize a closed Wi-Fi network, similar to the one you have set up at home, for conducting private activities such as bill payments and logging into accounts. Individuals who frequently work in cafes or have unreliable cellular service while away from home often rely on public Wi-Fi. If you find yourself in such a situation, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to establish a private and secure internet connection. This will create a protective shield around your online activities.

#6 Disable Siri on Your Lock Screen

Instances have occurred where private information was accessed through Siri by exploiting iPhone security vulnerabilities. Whenever these loopholes are discovered, Apple promptly addresses them in the next update. However, if you’re concerned about someone bypassing your iPhone’s Lock screen, disabling Siri is a good final measure to take.

If you prioritize remote hacking concerns, this tip may not be as relevant to you. However, if you worry about someone accessing your phone physically, disabling Siri on the Lock screen ensures that they will need your passcode to gain access. Follow these steps to turn off Siri on the Lock screen:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Siri & Search.
3. Tap the Allow Siri When Locked toggle to disable it.
4. Confirm by tapping “Turn Off Allow Siri When Locked.”

Final Words

A group of app developers constantly develop hacking apps that are available for purchase by the public. Typically, these apps masquerade as offering different features – you can grab them for free, but they secretly engage in unwanted activities. For minor issues like information theft, remove the app and update your software. In serious cases, you might need to wipe your iPhone back to factory settings for a fresh start. However, even after doing so, the malware may not be completely eradicated, especially if your phone is jailbroken.

If someone manages to access your phone, a challenging task with iPhones, they can install malicious software such as keyloggers. This means that every keystroke, every letter you type, gets sent to someone. Reassurance of privacy can only be obtained when you are certain that those risks have been eliminated. The tips listed above will help you achieve privacy and improve device security.