Your iPhone security is at risk no matter what you do. Whether it\u2019s uploading photos to the Cloud, shopping online, or sending private emails, people could be watching you without you knowing. They can snoop on your iPhone and even steal your data. You can download Private Internet Access<\/a> to keep yourself protected. PIA encrypts your iPhone traffic, shielding you from third-party spies that want to grab your information.<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple might have one of the most secure operating systems, but it\u2019s still experienced its fair share of vulnerabilities. From malware-ridden apps to OS security holes, iPhone users face a multitude of security risks. Let\u2019s look at the most common risks in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple is strict about which apps it lets you download, but that doesn\u2019t mean dodgy ones don\u2019t find their way onto the App Store. Some untrustworthy apps come with hidden malware, which can compromise your device security. Just downloading the app can be enough to give a cybercriminal control of your device. They can snoop on anything, including your photos, online banking, passwords, and private messages. You might not even know they\u2019re watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other spammy apps could be spying on your details or forcing you to pay for services. In 2022, HT Tech reported over 84 scam apps were found on the App Store, stealing more than $100 million from users every year. Although these \u2018fleecewear\u2019 apps didn\u2019t have malware inside, they were filled with extra fees and charges, usually relating to a free trial that had come to an end. Users were often charged multiple times or more than they thought at checkout, but were unable to cancel their subscriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaving your apps outdated can expose you to vulnerabilities that can risk your information. Even pre-installed, Apple-based apps aren\u2019t exempt from important security patches. Just before iOS 13.4.1\u2019s release, a hacker managed to find a security flaw within Apple\u2019s email software<\/a>. This left users exposed to emails containing malicious code. Worryingly, you didn\u2019t even need to open the email for the malicious code to start infecting your device. The attack forced iPhones to reboot, giving hackers full access to email accounts and all stored sensitive details.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like your apps, failing to keep your device up-to-date can make you more vulnerable to threats. If you own an old iPhone, it can create even more risks. Older models typically don\u2019t support the latest iOS, which means you won\u2019t be able to install patches to fix any flaws. It wouldn\u2019t take a hacker long to exploit them and gain access to your device.\u00a0 Even with newer iPhones, hackers can sometimes manage to attack before Apple can patch the vulnerability. In recent years, malicious actors have been known to target iPhone users with Pegasus spyware, using unpatched bugs to install malware onto people\u2019s devices. One exploit in September 2023 used weaknesses in the Wallet and ImageIO software to send images via iMessage hiding Pegasus malware.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple security measures mean iPhone users have less control over their devices. Many are resorting to jailbreaking their iPhones for more control \u2013 in other words, unlocking the operating system to gain full reign of the device. This lets you install any app, even if it\u2019s not on the App Store, and configure your device however you like. While it gives you more freedom, it means your device isn\u2019t protected by Apple\u2019s security features or automatic updates. It also leaves you exposed to malware-ridden apps, which can threaten your device security.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple is constantly releasing new features with every upgraded model and new iOS. Many of these rely on you handing over more personal information or sharing data with other iPhone users. One example of this is the Name Drop feature released in iOS 17 which allowed iPhone users to share contact and personal information by holding their phones near one another.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need permission to share and receive information between devices, ensuring you only connect to devices you trust. But these trusted devices could be compromised by cybercriminals and you may not know, leaving your information at risk of attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Malicious links and downloads are a risk no matter what device you use. The iPhone is no exception. Cybercriminals often use social engineering tactics to lure you in and encourage you to hand over your details. This could be an unusual email attachment, a link via iMessage, or even an in-app link that you think is safe. Even if they\u2019re not malicious, they can take you to a website hosting trackers and forms to grab your details and follow you around the web.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might think you\u2019re the only one who knows your six-digit lock screen passcode, but people could be watching you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In December 2023, one cybercriminal studied people using their iPhones in an attempt to learn their passcodes. He\u2019d then take their phones, change their passwords, and gain access to their online banking apps where he could transfer funds to himself. He\u2019d also befriend victims to appear as someone they trust, then lure them into handing over their passcodes. Even if your iPhone can\u2019t recognize Face ID, someone can easily unlock your phone if they know your passcode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Enough of the bad stuff \u2014 let\u2019s focus on what Apple does well to keep you secure. Apple has tons of features to enhance your iPhone\u2019s security and keep your information safe, with new ones in every release. Let\u2019s go through the built-in security measures plus extra iPhone features you should be using to protect your security.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple is known for having one of the most secure operating systems. Unlike Android, Apple\u2019s source code is closed, which means it\u2019s not available for anyone to look at or change, including hackers. We\u2019re not saying it\u2019s perfect, but exploits are much less frequent and tougher for hackers to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple also implements tough security measures at both hardware and software levels, running intense security checks to ensure the safety of your device. One of the most important features is Secure Boot, which protects your iPhone against malware from the moment it\u2019s turned on. This works by validating the operating system to ensure only Apple-approved software can run on your device when it starts up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n Apple\u2019s so-called \u2018walled garden\u2019 is tough to get around. Apple checks every app in the App Store before accepting it, ensuring only verified apps are available to iPhone users. It verifies that apps haven\u2019t been altered or tampered with, which could indicate security issues. This significantly reduces the risk of apps hiding malware that could compromise the security of your iPhone. Although it can be frustrating if you don\u2019t see the app you want for available download, know that it\u2019s only because Apple can\u2019t verify its security. After all, it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t already have a passcode enabled on your iPhone, make it your next priority. Your six-digit lock screen code is one of the most important features for protecting your device, and is possibly the most simple to implement. You can enable biometric login with Face ID and Touch ID to make it harder to unlock your phone. Apple also has a Find My iPhone <\/em>feature which helps you locate your device if it\u2019s lost or stolen. Once activated, it\u2019ll stop anyone who has your device from accessing it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Apple\u2019s newest features includes Stolen Device Protection to block thieves from breaking through your iPhone. This feature forces you to use Face ID and Touch ID for other actions, rather than just to unlock your phone or make payments. It also creates a security delay alongside biometric checks for more sensitive actions, like changing your Apple ID or removing fingerprint scanning, to stop individuals from making changes to your device.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple implements Passkeys to make logins safer. Rather than logging in with a username and password that someone could potentially steal, you can log in to an account using Face ID or Touch ID. You can also save all of your logins to the iCloud Keychain which is encrypted and only you can access it with another password. Since every Passkey is uniquely generated, there\u2019s much less chance a cybercriminal can breach your password.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help keep your credentials safe, iPhones can suggest strong passwords with highly unique and hard-to-guess combinations that it\u2019ll remember for you. For any weak passwords, your iPhone will nudge you to change them into a stronger combination. This makes it much harder for thieves to find your details or gain access to multiple accounts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your iPhone and the apps you use can share huge amounts of data, including your location, search history, and personal details. The more data you share, the more at risk you are of someone accessing your information and stealing it. Thankfully, there are ways to limit data sharing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n All apps ask your permission to share information when you first install them. You can amend these permissions at any time through Privacy & Security <\/em>within Settings <\/em>on your iPhone. You can turn Location Services off completely, which stops your iPhone from following your movements. You can also click on individual apps to deny or allow location tracking, or set rules such as only tracking your location while using the app.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can review tracking permissions to prevent apps from logging your data for extra security. If they can\u2019t track you, that means there\u2019s less data to sell to third parties or for cybercriminals to steal. Open Tracking <\/em>within Privacy & Security <\/em>and switch the toggle for Allow Apps to Request to Track <\/em>off. This blocks tracking requests and stops apps from tracking you on other sites. If you scroll down, you\u2019ll see tracking permissions for individual apps too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lockdown Mode is one of Apple\u2019s newer features, released with iOS 16 and 17. This advanced security function changes how your iPhone operates to reduce the risk of threats and stop people from accessing information on your device. It stops or restricts the use of certain apps and websites, as well as features like SharePlay, Shared Albums, FaceTime Live Photos, and FaceTime Continuity Handoff. Your iPhone has to be unlocked to connect to any wired accessories such as chargers or USB ports.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lockdown Mode aims to reduce spyware exploits. If you think you\u2019ve been attacked by spyware, you can enable Lockdown Mode to severely limit where it can spread across your device and restrict the information it has access to. Although it\u2019s primarily for people who could be personally targeted because of what they do, such as journalists, it might be necessary if you think your device is infected.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Safari<\/a> is one of the most secure browsers. It has a built-in Fraudulent Website Warning to protect you from sites hiding malware. If you attempt to visit a suspicious website, the popup alerts you before the webpage opens to shield you from on-page vulnerabilities. It\u2019s not turned on by default, but you can easily switch it on in your settings.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Safari also protects you from cross-site tracking and hides your IP address from trackers to stop them from digitally profiling you. This restricts third-party trackers from tracing information back to your iPhone, such as browsing history and your location. This type of information can easily be sold to other third parties or even used to target you with attacks. The less information you give away, the less there is for a cybercriminal to exploit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There might be fewer apps on the App Store than on the Google Play Store, but not all is lost. Apple supports plenty of third-party security apps, including iOS VPNs<\/a>. You can download Apple-approved VPNs to encrypt your device activity and mask your online habits. A VPN also changes your IP address, so cybercriminals and other online spies can\u2019t see your iPhone location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for an iOS VPN, you can download Private Internet Access<\/a> from the App Store. PIA VPN encrypts your iPhone traffic, stopping third parties from spying on your activity, including your browsing history, online searches, and personal details. It\u2019s harder for cybercriminals to target you or steal your data because they can\u2019t see what you\u2019re sharing online. You also get unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect all of your Apple devices at once.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n It\u2019s important to practice strong cyber hygiene to maintain your online security. Alongside your iPhone\u2019s built-in features, we recommend these key steps for protecting your information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why not try PIA VPN<\/a> to increase your iPhone security? Our VPN blocks ads and harmful trackers to keep you safe from cross-site spies, risky websites, and unwanted data logging. You also get strong encryption to conceal your iPhone traffic, plus the option to upgrade and include advanced antivirus protection in your subscription.\u00a0<\/p><\/div> <\/p>\n\n\n\n So what\u2019s the verdict? iPhones aren\u2019t 100% safe, although they\u2019re definitely one of the safer mobile options. Apple takes your security seriously and offers numerous features to keep you safe from malware, data leaks, and cybercriminal attacks. That said, it\u2019s impossible to keep your information completely safe, even with all the latest security features. The best option? A VPN.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A VPN can\u2019t promise 100% safety either, but it\u2019s the best way to secure your iPhone. PIA VPN<\/a> encrypts your iPhone traffic, which makes it inaccessible to any outsiders, including cybercriminals. They can\u2019t see what you\u2019re doing online \u2013 and with nothing to see, they have nothing to steal. Use a VPN alongside your iPhone\u2019s built-in features, including tracking blocking, limited location sharing, and safe browsing to keep yourself secure.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h4>\nThe Truth About iPhone Security<\/a>
\niPhone Built-in Security Features<\/a>
\nHow to Increase Your iPhone Security<\/a>
\niPhone Security: The Final Decision<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Truth about iPhone Security<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unsecured Apps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
App Flaws<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
OS Security Vulnerabilities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cyberghostvpn.com\/privacyhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pasted-image-0-1-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJailbroken iPhones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
New iPhone Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Risky Links and Downloads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cyberghostvpn.com\/privacyhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pasted-image-0-2-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPassword Snoopers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
iPhone Built-In Security Features<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
OS Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cyberghostvpn.com\/privacyhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pasted-image-0-3.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nApp Security Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
iPhone Access<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Account Logins and iCloud Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Information Sharing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/YvgunZp9rcVnvSa5VoyoueJ8hycw3-C8QKOfvcIuQRBPu6e58iUsKteVVQn4guegi483O8mg64XeIC88VqqYiLpu156D_5mqaa5qnBVCPxGvZB2o7nENzgHAgdWpcClN7km7atdgcM07pYh_2IY9VOw\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/3Vu7H7I_o50PM93Xd6-02wLWuisRnfv-TjIzox7UA55865u7gd76RWUhKtsVl4CiC8tNrZMK3XbtH9JTFQPJ4HsWiYSC6rzbNUb8gUDl9yg4fM-e0KW21Wo4K9tPkdisy3L796-jyhEjZvfrNwcJlKk\")
Lockdown Mode<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malicious Website Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/5vrpR3NeGLBRpyTjTyUA8ZN63bl0pBcmOHV6F1nkEg--r8sWUMy1mvrWqy6vqOVC7uVN8U7xjjHHIqGE-GB3zmxSLizs_t1H98JC9FX9hq6-nw1cqS4DdKN8TYSY4zlNYaAZTDwCbXIu9tnnscJo9nQ\")
Third-Party Security Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cyberghostvpn.com\/privacyhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/pasted-image-0-4.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow to Increase Your iPhone Security<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\niPhone Security: The Final Decision<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n