iPhone Security
iPhones are commonly viewed as being more secure than Android devices when it comes to hacking and viruses. When it comes to cyber security, it’s quite risky to say “never”. The operating system that Apple products use is called iOS. One indicator that iPhones, just like Androids, are vulnerable to exploitation is the ongoing advancements and updating of its iOS. This Fact Sheet gives users of iPhones some basic tips on how to improve your device security.
Tips to Enhance Your iPhone Security
- Always run the most up-to-date version of your iOS operating system. You can check this by opening
- 1st Step - Settings
- 2nd Step - General
- 3rd Step - Software Update
- Note that while this is a really good security measure, updates may impact system performance and it’s also important to do your research!
- Activate “Find My Phone”. If you lose your iPhone then you can log onto Find My iPhone from another iOS device or via the web and remotely wipe your device, taking your personal data with it. To remotely wipe your iPhone, log in to the Find my iPhone app (or iCloud website), select your iPhone, tap ‘Erase iPhone’ and confirm the action.
- Regularly run anti-spam on your email applications you access on your iPhone – note you will most likely have to pay for these.
- Activate a 6 character iPhone access code and ensure you are using your biometric access. Go to
- Settings
- Touch ID & Passcode.
- Disable Siri when iPhone is locked. Go to
- Settings
- Touch ID & Passcode.
- Avoid responding to any unknown links or attachments as an SMS (text message, email, or web browsing). Your iPhone data is just as vulnerable to phishing scams if you don’t practice safe online behaviours.
- Revoke your Application permissions – spyware are viruses that can exploit some of your phone’s communication channels, such as your camera, microphone and location. Review what access you have provided your Apps by going to
- Settings and then
- Privacy.
- Turn off auto-fill - if a hacker does manage to gain access to your iPhone, it provides them with access to all your online logins. To disable keychain and auto-fill, simply go to
- Settings
- Safari
- AutoFill and toggle off each option.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID. Go to
- Settings
- iCloud (Top Option)
- Password & Security
- Two-Factor Authentication.
- Enable passwords to access your applications where possible.
More information
For more facts regarding your mobile phone security and other cyber related concerns please see the our Fact Sheets on
For additional support or information, contact IDCARE by submitting a Get Help Form or call 1800 595 160 (Aus) or 0800 121 068 (NZ).
print
Disclaimer
Identity Care Australia & New Zealand Ltd (IDCARE) provides identity and cyber security incident response services (the Services) in accordance with the following disclaimer of service:
- IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber incident community support service. IDCARE is a not-for-profit and registered Australian charity.
- The Services provided do not constitute legal advice. IDCARE recommends that you consult your own legal counsel in relation to your legal rights and obligations, including but not limited to your legal rights or obligations under Australian and international privacy and data protection laws.
- While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content provided, to the maximum extent permitted by law all conditions, terms, representations, and warranties (in each case, whether express or implied) in connection with the provision of the Services which might otherwise be binding upon IDCARE are excluded.
- IDCARE’S liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person or organisation (including, without limitation, any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) arising out of or in connection with the Services (including without limited liability for any negligent act or omission, or statement, representation or misrepresentation of any officers, employees, agents, contractors or consultants of IDCARE) shall be limited to the fees paid by you to IDCARE in respect of the Services. For the avoidance of doubt, this limitation of liability extends to any liability arising from any actions performed or not performed as a result of any recommendations made in the course of providing the Services.
- If you would like to provide feedback please use our Feedback Form.
