As a technical support specialist, I am sharing my top tips to keep your iPhone and your personal information safe.
1. Set Up a Secure Passcode
If your iPhone is lost or stolen, it’s important to make sure it’s locked so only you can easily access your information. iPhones have options to set up a unique 4- or 6-digit passcode that you enter before you can use your phone. You can also set up your iPhone so you can unlock it with your fingerprint, or with Apple’s latest high-end phones, just by showing your full face.
2. Buy a Protective Case
Smartphones can be expensive. If you drop your phone, it could cost hundreds of dollars to fix or even more if you have to replace it. A case for your phone can protect your device and help prevent damage. But make sure you comparison-shop to find a great deal on a case. Try shopping on Amazon to find an affordable option, and read reviews to make sure you’re getting a quality case at a good price.
3. Turn On the “Find My iPhone” Option
Using Find My iPhone will allow you to find your phone if it is ever lost or stolen. You can also enable a feature to erase your phone remotely or have it automatically erased after a number of failed login attempts. Additionally, you can instruct it to play a very loud sound on your iPhone so that you can locate it nearby.
4. Choose Apps Carefully
Not all apps are legitimate and many request access to personal data. Always get your apps directly from the App Store. Research each app, check reviews and read the privacy policy before deciding if you should install it.
5. Keep Your Phone Up-to-Date
Apple releases system updates and other security updates often to keep you safe. Be sure to install these when they become available. You can check what’s current for your iPhone under Settings:About:Software Update.
6. Watch Out for Phishing Email and Text Messages
Do not respond to email or text messages that request personal information or that you don’t recognize. Think about the types of data on your phone: passwords, financial information, health information and other personal information. Once a hacker gains access to your device they can steal all of that data. There’s a full article about that here.
7. Backup Your Phone on a Regular Basis
Phones can crash just like computers, and if you don’t have a backup, you may lose any information that you’ve saved locally on your device. You can use iCloud, or back up your iPhone’s information to your computer. Apple wrote a dandy article all about that.
Help Mr. Wizard?
Yes, we’re all about helping. Contact Us to set up and appointment and we’ll gladly help you with all of this and more.
