Generally speaking, iOS devices are way more secure than Android devices. The biggest threat to devices these days is Malware (Malicious Software). Malware is programmed by hackers to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of the system. Malware contains malicious codes intended to extract users’ data. These codes can be programmed to either fetch user’s personal and official information or to gain access to the system.
However, iOS doesn’t provide much leeway to the applications. iOS doesn’t allow users to install the applications from a source other than the App Store. All the applications available on the App Store can be trusted for their authenticity.
In addition to that, iOS also utilizes Sand-boxing to safeguard the device. In sand-boxing, all the applications that get installed on the device initially work in isolation while the device notes the application’s behavior. If the application shows any sign of malicious behavior, the device disables the application and alerts the user about it.
However, there are some other tips and tricks that can improve the security of your iPhone which otherwise can risk your privacy and data.
Tips to Improve the Security of your iPhone:
- Beware of Juice Jacking
- USB Restricted Mode
- Anti-Theft Applications
- A check on permissions
- Disable automatic connection with Wi-Fi
- Avoid Jailbreak
- Read about the application
1. Beware of Juice Jacking:
Juice Jacking is a technique used by hackers to install malware into your system. Most people spend a hell lot of time on their mobiles and often found themselves out of juice. USB charging ports, especially for iPhones are available everywhere from Railway stations, Bus-Stands to Coffee shops and restaurants.
Not all of these ports are authentic. Sometimes these ports are used by hackers to transfer malware to your device and hack into your system.
Therefore, you should carry a ‘Data Blocker’ with you. A Data Blocker is nothing but a simple USB dongle used to connect your device to the charger. Data Blocker blocks the data pins of the charging port, only allowing it to charge the phone. Data Blockers are a very cheap solution to this rather dangerous threat.
2. USB Restricted Mode:
USB Restricted Mode has been introduced by Apple on iOS version 11.4.1 onwards. USB Restricted Mode works by limiting the capacity of the lightning port to just Charging and disabling the capacity to transfer data. More specifically, when you have USB Restricted mode ON, if you haven’t unlocked your device for an hour, it would require you to unlock your phone to set up a connection with another storage device.
This feature is an attempt by Apple to save the iPhones from devices like GrayKey. Devices such as GrayKey are used by intruders to unlock the device. They work by plugging into the charging port of your device. They need a time of few hours before they can successfully break into the device. That’s how USB restricted mode protects the device from being misused by thieves and intruders.
3. Anti-Theft Applications:
Although iOS can be considered secure against malware, there is nothing iOS can do to protect your device from thieves. Theft is a constant threat to your device and the data on it. iPhones users should always keep a good Anti-Theft application installed on the device. There are a number of such applications available on the App Store.
These applications offer a whole bunch of useful features such as remotely locating the device, wiping the data on the device remotely, Trigger an alarm, etc. These features may come in handy in some situations.
4. A Check on Permissions:
Applications these days ask for tons of permissions while getting installed. Storage, Camera, Microphone, location, etc. are some crucial permissions that should be granted diligently. A user should think logically before approving such permissions.
For example, A dictionary asking for the location and microphone permission should always ring a bell to you.
5. Disable automatic connection to the Wi-Fi:
Most people ask their iPhones to remember Wi-Fi passwords of their daily places such as coffee shops and offices. It provides an opportunity for hackers to become Middlemen. When you configure your device to automatically connect to known networks, the SSID (Service Set Identifier) of the remembered connection can be used to trick your device into considering a false Access Point as the original one. This reroutes your data through the hacker’s computer which can then be misused.
6. Avoid Jailbreaking:
iOS is designed to deny permission to install third-party applications on iPhones. However, the users often want to install such third-party applications to gain some extra functionality. Therefore, users try Jailbreaking. Jailbreaking is a technique which allows users to install third-party applications. It allows them to access games and applications on iPhones which are otherwise not available on App Store.
This not only voids the warranty of your device but also makes your device vulnerable to various malware and cyber threats. These devices have been reported to be hacked and users have lost their data on multiple occasions.
7. Read about Applications:
There have been a number of cases where fake applications are reported on the App Store. These applications do not offer the right functionality but are designed to harm user’s devices and data. However, such behavior can be spotted if you take out time to read some reviews about the application on the App Store before installing a new and not so popular application. This simple practice can save your sensitive data and information from being misused.
These are some of the techniques that can help you further improve the security of your iPhone. We hope you liked these tips. Do let us know if you have any such technique that has worked for you to improve the security of your device.
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Abhay Tank
iPhone is always better than android for securities reasons. So my question is how can i improve my android phone security?