Gone are the days when oil was the most valuable commodity in the world. In this digital era, one can argue that the world's most valuable commodity is data.

Most companies use your data to give you a more personalized experience when availing their products or services. Some use it for trade. It's all well and good until you find your information somewhere online used in horrific ways—like scams.

Now you're in for unnecessary inconveniences. Worse comes to worst, legal nightmares.

This information then begs the question, "Is my data protected when I'm using digital devices?"

Apple Security

The best thing about Apple devices is that Apple is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its users. It's evident in the company's consistent security updates and security research.

Aside from end-to-end encryption protecting your conversations in iMessage and FaceTime, it also uses its latest Private Cloud Compute (PCC) intelligence system for AI privacy in the cloud.

In simple terms, PCC extends security features in the cloud to make sure that your personal information isn't accessible even outside your physical device.

Why Is iPhone Security Important?

As you always have your phone on hand, engaging in different ways in different apps and software, collecting your data can be inevitable. Sometimes, it's even needed, such as IDs for app verifications, mobile numbers, or bank information.

Although Apple devices have reliable security, it's best to do several layers of protection as you use your iPhone. 

You see, along with all the updates, threats like online scams, digital fraud, and many more also evolve. Fraudsters and thieves have now advanced to a level that even a single link click can cost you your whole life savings or max out your credit card limit.

Tips and Tricks to Optimize Your iPhone Privacy and Security

Keep Your iPhone Updated

Keeping your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version is one of the easiest ways to stay secure while using your device. Apple regularly releases updates to fix bugs and security issues and enhance iPhone security.

How to update your iPhone to the latest iOS

• Go to Settings.
• Tap General and select Software Update.
• If you see an available iOS version, choose from Update Now or Update Tonight to set a time for installing the latest version.
• If there is no available version to Install, tap the Automatic Updates and turn on the toggles to automatically install and download iOS versions for your iPhone.

Strengthen Your Apple Account Security

Accessing services, like iCloud and the App Store, is only possible with your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID). Reality-wise, there's always a risk of your data getting compromised, especially if you sync your data on the cloud and connect financial apps to purchase on the App Store.

To keep the worst from happening, here are several ways to strengthen your Apple Account security:

How to Make Your Apple Account More Secure

• Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA, or dual-factor authentication, provides a higher level of security that avoids data breaches and prevents personal data loss.

Settings > Your Profile > Sign-In & Security > Two-factor Authentication

Enter a trusted phone number and verify with the code sent to the number you entered.

• Use a Strong Apple Account Password

Choose a hard-to-guess password. Avoid using birthdays. Instead, use a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols.

• Regularly Check Account Activity
   
  

Regularly checking your account activity, like your purchase history, keeps you in the know. With this, you can easily take immediate action when something unusual happens.

Set Up iPhone Passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID

You're the only one who knows how much confidential information your iPhone holds. It's a headache when your device gets stolen and your photo, personal details, and financial information spread without your consent.

That's why you have to set up a device password and Face ID. Set up Touch ID instead, if you're using iPhone 8 and earlier models.

How to set up an iPhone device passcode

Settings > Face ID and Passcode > Turn Passcode On > Enter 6-or 4-digit passcode > Re-enter to confirm and activate

How to set up Face ID

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Face ID and Passcode.
• Tap Set Up Face ID and position your iPhone in portrait orientation.
• Tap Get Started, position your head inside the frame, and move slowly to complete the circle scan.
• Tap Continue, and complete the second round of Face ID Scan. 
• Tap Done.

How to set up Touch ID

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Touch ID and Passcode.
• Tap Enter a Fingerprint.
• Place your finger lightly on the Touch ID sensor. Hold your finger in that position until you feel a vibration and see an instruction to lift the finger.
• Continue to position the finger and lift until the process is complete.
• You will see a prompt to Adjust your Grip. Hold your device naturally and touch the sensor with the outer areas of your hand.

Manage Third-party App Permissions

Managing your apps is equally important in keeping your iPhone safe as any other trick here. Most apps ask you to access your location, photos, or microphone. Some others go as far as to ask for permission to track your activities.

Doing your due diligence of reviewing these permissions as you install the apps prevents irresponsible use of your data.

How to Manage Third-party App Permissions

Settings > Privacy and Security > Choose categories like Location Services > Adjust app permissions for each category

Enable Find My iPhone

The hassle is real when losing an iPhone, especially when you don't have a backup phone. Yet, it's beyond upsetting to know of the files, data, and digital memories you may never get back after losing it. It's a stressful ordeal.

Thankfully, there's a way to find your iPhone that will act as another barrier to prevent a breach.

How to Enable Find My iPhone

Settings > Profile > Find My > Turn on Find My iPhone > optional: Find My Network

Protect Your Privacy

So, is the iPhone secure? Definitely! But are you still at risk of data and privacy breaches? If you're not careful.

Keep in mind that although the iPhone is built to be secure, how you use your device plays a bigger role in keeping your data safe. The apps and digital spaces you go to when you use your Apple device can be a boon or bane without careful consideration of how you use your information.

Visit Power Mac Center and find a range of Apple devices that are equally built and optimized to handle your data carefully.