In general, iPhones are more secure and less prone to being hacked. This is due to the strength of the software built into every Apple phone, and the stringent security polices Apple has held up throughout the years. Apple has always been quick to roll out updates when a bug or security risk is discovered on their devices. Oftentimes, older Android devices are left out of new security updates after a couple of years.
Apple keeps up with updates even on older devices, sometimes for upwards of five years.
However, that does not mean iPhones are completely impervious to being hacked. There are ways for this to happen and users should be aware so they can take steps to prevent incidents.
Using Unsecured Wi-Fi
Using an unsecured Wi-Fi connection is the biggest risk to iPhone users. It is far easier for a hacker to gain access to unsecured hotspots, versus the secured Wi-Fi in a home. If a phone is hacked after connecting to a compromised connection, the phone could be exposed to those wanting to gain access to personal information.
For example, if a user is browsing Facebook, a hacker could steal the browsers cookies associated with the account and use those to break in. Once inside the account, the hacker can simply take it over for their own use. Two-factor authentication can help with this situation, but it does not prevent hackers from seeing other information on the phone.
How To Prevent
The most basic prevention method is to not connect to public Wi-Fi hot spots. When possible, use cellular data. But not everyone has access to unlimited data. So what then?
Install a VPN. There are a number of well-known and reliable
. VPNs encrypt the information being sent from the phone to the server, making it harder for hackers to gain access or manipulate data in any way.
Installing A Malicious App
Because of the App Store’s watch on the apps that are published on their store, it is rare for malicious apps to appear. However, sometimes apps could slip through the cracks and make it onto the App Store. When downloading a malicious app, if the user gives it permission to conduct certain actions on their iPhone, harmful things could happen. The entire phone and all of its contents could be compromised.
How To Prevent
Before a user downloads any app, they should look it over. They should be wary of apps that were just published, apps that don’t have any reviews and anything that generally looks suspicious. When an app is downloaded and it asks permission, read them carefully. Users should immediately refuse permissions and uninstall any apps that ask for un-needed permissions.
For example, a notetaking app would not need permission to access the microphone.
Using A Weak Password
If a users password is not unique or easy to guess, it is possible for iCloud to be hacked. This is even more true if your email account has been involved with data breaches in the past; the users email could be floating around on the Internet and be more vulnerable. If a hacker breaks into a users iCloud account they can access personal information like photographs, messages, email and more. That information can be used to hack into other accounts.
How To Prevent
Use a strong, unique password. Make sure the password has a mixture of numbers, letters and symbols. Don’t use it on any other account. In addition, set up two-factor identification, Two step identification means that even if a users password is cracked, the hacker would still need a secret code sent to the users email or phone. That makes it much, much harder for the iPhone to be hacked.
Stay Vigilant
Users should not be overly paranoid about their device being hacked. But it is important to be careful and not take risks. They should be aware of what is installed on their phone, which Wi-Fi they connect to and always use strong passwords. By doing all of the former, the danger of being hacked will be minimized.
Apple has always worked hard to provide security for their customers, but users have a responsibility to implement safe and secure online habits.