In recent weeks, malware targeting iPhone users has increased. Although Apple closes vulnerabilities with software updates, it's beneficial to enable iPhone security features.
Apple not only sends updates to iPhones compatible with new iOS versions but also protects older iOS devices against security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, with the iOS 26.4 version, it has started offering background security improvements. Beyond keeping the device updated, it's beneficial to know and enable its security features. Here are 5 security features iPhone users should enable:
1️⃣ Stolen Device Protection
The first feature to check is Stolen Device Protection. Apple developed this feature for the worst-case scenario where someone steals your iPhone and also knows your passcode. It prevents highly sensitive operations, such as changing your Apple Account password or device passcode, by requiring Face ID or Touch ID without a passcode alternative for these actions. Apple also states that the feature relies on two-factor authentication, the Find My app, device passcode, biometric data, and Significant Locations.
Steps to enable iPhone Stolen Device Protection
- Open Settings
- Tap Face ID & Passcode
- Tap Stolen Device Protection
- Toggle it On
- For the strongest protection, set the Require Security Delay option to Always
2️⃣ Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
Apple describes Advanced Data Protection for iCloud as the highest level of cloud security. When enabled, your trusted devices hold the encryption keys for most of your iCloud data. Apple states that it cannot access your protected information.
How to enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud?
- Open the Settings app
- Tap your name
- Tap iCloud
- Tap Advanced Data Protection
- Follow the setup steps
3️⃣ Safety Check
Safety Check is one of Apple's most practical security tools. It allows you to quickly stop data sharing, review who has access to what, check which devices are signed into your Apple Account, and reset privacy permissions. This feature requires iOS 16 or later to be installed and two-factor authentication to be enabled for your Apple Account.
How to enable iPhone Safety Check?
- Go to the Settings app
- Tap Privacy & Security
- Tap Safety Check
- Choose Emergency Reset or Manage Sharing & Access
4️⃣ Sensitive Content Warning
Apple states that with the Sensitive Content Warning feature, your iPhone warns you before displaying or sending images that may contain nudity, and this works in places like Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime video messages, and Contact Posters. Additionally, it can be automatically enabled for children when Communication Safety is activated through Screen Time.
Steps to enable iPhone Sensitive Content Warning
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy & Security
- Tap Sensitive Content Warning
- Toggle it On
5️⃣ Two-Factor Authentication
This is one of the most important protections on any iPhone. Apple states that two-factor authentication helps ensure that only you can access your account by requiring a verification code when you sign in on a new device or browser. Two-step verification is also necessary for many security features within the Apple ecosystem.
How to enable two-factor authentication on iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Tap your name
- Tap Sign-In & Security
- Ensure Two-Factor Authentication is enabled
Apple made Stolen Device Protection enabled by default with the iOS 26.4 update. Additionally, under Privacy & Security, there are “Background Security Improvements” which can be installed automatically or manually. In addition to these two features, it is recommended to keep two-step verification enabled for your Apple Account.
0 Comments: