Apple iPhone security ensures customer protection by not disclosing, discussing, or confirming security issues until an investigation has been conducted and patches or releases are available.
Recently, Apple has introduced a new feature called Security Keys for Apple ID on iPhones running iOS 16. This feature enables the use of hardware security keys to enhance the security of your Apple ID.
It can be considered a password that is accessed through a specific method. Access to the right security keys is crucial for maintaining your password, even if it falls into the wrong hands.
This method is a comprehensive solution that effectively safeguards your Apple ID from potential cyber threats. Do not worry; I’ll show you how to set it up.
How to use Security Keys to protect your Apple ID on your iPhone
Here’s a guide on how you can set up security keys to protect your Apple ID on your iPhone:
#1. Gather your security keys
To ensure security, it is essential to have at least two security keys, with a maximum of six, in case of loss or misplacement. The security keys should be Fido-certified.
#2. Go to your Settings
To access your account, navigate to Settings, select your name and photo at the top, and then click on Sign-In & Security.
#3. Add Security Keys
To add security keys, select Two-Factor Authentication, then Security Keys, and then add the security keys.
If you have existing security keys enrolled, they will appear here. But you can remove them if you do not recognize them.
#4. Enroll the first Security Key
Don’t forget that before you start, you need a minimum of two security keys, as we said earlier.
For instance, if your first security key is ZubiKey 8 KFC, tap on it to enroll.
You will receive a prompt to enter your passcode, confirm that you want to add a security key, plug in the security key or bring it nearby, and name the security key.
#5. Enroll the other security keys
My second security key is the ZubiKey 7Ei. It has a Lightning connector on one end I can plug into the iPhone, and a USB-C connector on the other end for other devices such as Macs, MacBooks, Windows PCs, iPads and Android devices.
#6. Check that there are no rogue devices logged in with your Apple ID
At this point, the user is then presented with a list of devices currently logged in with their Apple ID.
Make sure all the devices are the ones you enrolled; if not, remove that device from the listing.
#7. Keep the security keys separate
The process should only take a few minutes to complete.
Store keys in separate locations, such as one in use and another as a backup, depending on your personal preference. For instance, you can have one in use and another as a backup, but you might also want one for home and another for the office.
Avoid keeping both keys in the same place, as losing one will result in losing both.
Your iPhone offers numerous security settings beyond its entertainment capabilities. Let me show you the basics.
7 important Apple iPhone security settings to change right now
The iPhone offers numerous security settings; aside from enabling Face ID or Touch ID, it is important to understand their function and when to use them. Below is a quick guide.
#1. Use the built-in authenticator:
Two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances security by providing an additional layer of authentication when logging into an account, website, or service. Logins usually send a code to your device for authentication.
iPhone users can receive 2FA verification codes for sites and apps without relying on text messages or additional apps. If your iPhone is running iOS 12 and higher, a texted 2FA security code will automatically appear in the code field.
Read also: iOS 17.0.1: Everything You Should Know (+ Free Tips)
Steps to set up 2FA verification codes
To set up automatic verification codes for a website or app, simply enter a setup key using these steps:
- Log in to the account management area on the website or app and select options to enable two-factor authentication and an authenticator app.
- Select the option to manually use a setup key or setup code, then select and copy the setup key.
- Go to Settings > Passwords and select your account for the website or app.
- Click Set Up Verification Code, then tap Enter Setup Key.
- Click the Setup Key field, tap Paste, and then OK.
- Select the Verification Code field, then tap Copy Verification Code.
- Return to the website or app, then paste the verification code where directed.
#2. Keep your Apple ID secure:
Your Apple ID is a unique identifier that enables access to Apple services, containing your login credentials, contact information, payment information, and security information.
Do not share your Apple ID with others, even those you trust. You can add Account Recovery Contacts to your Apple ID to assist in resetting your password and regaining access in case you get locked out of your account.
- Go to Settings, select your name, select Password & Security, then Account Recovery.
- Click on Add Recovery Contact and follow the onscreen instructions.
You can create a legacy contact who will have access to your account in the event of your death.
- Go to Settings, select your name, select Password & Security, and then Legacy Contact.
- Click on Add Legacy Contact, then follow the on-screen instructions.
#3. Lock down apps that always know where you are
You may wish for the navigation app to be equipped with notable information to assist you in reaching your destination. But what about other apps like a game app, music app or social media app? These apps do not need to know where you are.
You can quickly determine which apps can access your location and adjust their permissions as required by:
- Go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and click on Location Services.
- To access or modify an app’s access settings or understand its instructions for requesting location services, simply tap on the app. You can set when an app can track your location or turn it off entirely.
#4. Check your passwords
The iPhone is designed to automatically detect any password breach, which is a common issue when an account is compromised.
You can also track the passwords you use for multiple accounts. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings and select Passwords.
- You’ll see a button labeled Security Recommendations if you have compromised passwords. Tap it, and change your passwords accordingly.
- You’ll also see weak and re-used passwords under Security Recommendations. Change them if necessary.
#5. Lock down your lock screen:
The iPhone’s lock screen allows easy access to widgets, media playback controls, the camera, and the Control Center.
To protect your privacy, consider changing the content accessible from your lock screen. After all, if you can see it, so can anyone else holding your phone.
Here’s a guide on how to maintain privacy:
- Go to Settings and select Face ID (on an iPhone with Face ID) or Touch ID and Passcode (on an iPhone with a Home button).
- Enter your four-digit passcode when prompted.
- Select the options in the Allow Access When Locked section and choose which can be viewed on the lock screen. Choices include a notification center and more. You can turn the Notification Center off to keep notifications private.
#6. Find your iPhone:
With Apple’s “Find My iPhone” feature, you can find your phone if it’s lost, misplaced or stolen. Using iOS 15, users can now receive alerts if they leave their iPhone, iPad, or Mac behind.
Also, Apple has updated its Find My Network feature in iOS 13 to assist users in locating their devices even if they lack signal or are turned off.
To utilize the Find My network, it is necessary to connect your phone to your Apple ID. Here’s a guide:
- Go to Settings, select your name, then Find My. If you’re asked to sign in, enter your Apple ID.
- Click on Find My iPhone, then slide the toggle next to Find My iPhone to the right to enable it. (Note: This should be enabled by default.)
In addition, you can turn on or off either of the following:
- Find My network: If your device is offline (not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular), Find My can locate it using the Find My network. Turning on the Find My network on a supported iPhone with iOS 15 or later allows you to locate the device for up to 24 hours after it’s turned off.
- Send Last Location: If your device’s battery charge level drops significantly, Apple automatically retrieves its location.
#7. Mail privacy:
Mail Privacy Protection safeguards your privacy by preventing senders from using your IP address to track your online activities or location. This feature also prevents senders from monitoring if you have opened the email they sent you.
To enable mail privacy protection, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings, select Mai, then click on Privacy Protection.
- Slide the toggle next to Protect Mail Activity to the right to enable it.
Hide My Email is a privacy feature that allows users to generate unique, random email addresses that are then sent to their email accounts. This is suitable for submitting online forms, signing up for services, or sharing an email address with a stranger.
Note: The Hide My Email feature is exclusively accessible to iCloud+ subscribers.
- In the Mail app, click on the compose button.
- Add a recipient and subject for your email. Note: You can only send a message using Hide My Email to one recipient at a time.
- Tap the From field twice, then click on Hide My Email. A new, unique email address appears in the From field.
#8. Review the App Privacy Report:
The App Privacy Report, introduced in iOS 15.2, provides insight into how apps utilize the permissions granted to them. The user can also identify which third-party domains may have been contacted.
To enable the App Privacy Report:
- Go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, select App Privacy Report, then turn on App Privacy Report.
- Go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and click on App Privacy Report to access your report after giving it some time to fill out. More information will be displayed as you use the apps.
Wrap Up.
In conclusion, iPhones prioritize user privacy and security through hardware, software, and chip-level implementation, making iOS more secure than Android and making it preferred by millions of users.
With Safety Check on iPhone, users can quickly restrict or review sharing with specific individuals and apps, ensuring their safety.
Finally, do not share your Apple ID with anyone, not even those you trust.
Are Apple iPhones secure?
iPhones, despite Apple’s security improvements, are still vulnerable to hacking, phishing, malware, and other cyber-attacks, despite Apple’s efforts to enhance iOS security features.
How do I know if my iPhone is secure?
To access Safety Check, navigate to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and then click Safety Check. But if Safety Check is unavailable or not functioning properly, you can manually adjust your sharing settings to access your device and account.
Can someone remotely access my iPhone?
It is technically possible to remotely hack an iOS device. Pegasus, a popular spyware, can install without physical access to the victim’s iPhone through missed FaceTime calls or other zero-click exploits.
Which iPhone is most secure?
Popular well-protected smartphones include the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, and the Google Pixel 7. But you can go for some less-known secure smartphones like Purism Librem 5, Blackphone PRIVY 2.0, Sirin Labs Solarin, and Bittium Tough Mobile 2C.
Is Apple better for privacy?
Apple provides users with greater privacy control by allowing them to opt out of most data collection. On the other hand, Google’s lack of this feature in many services results in users having less control over their collected data.
Do iPhones need antivirus?
iPhone antivirus is not essential if it only blocks viruses, as viruses are not a significant threat to iPhones. However, viruses are not the only threat to the iPhone, as phishing can also pose a threat to users.
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