How to Keep Your iPhone Data Safe

Your iPhone lets you do your banking online, store pictures & videos, and remember account passwords, but using these features puts your data at risk of falling into the wrong hands. So what do you do to keep your data safe and get the most of your iPhone?

Unlike protecting data on your computer, data on your iPhone is more at risk of being stolen by someone who actually has your phone, although there are some virtual threats as well.

Keep Your iPhone Safe From Theft

Reset Keyboard Dictionary The best way to protect your iPhone’s data is to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

The iPhone’s sleek appearance and steep price tag make it an attractive target for thieves, so protect yourself by reducing the chance of theft.

Keep your phone in sight and don’t leave it unattended, especially in public. Carry your iPhone in a secure place such as a zippered pocket. Make sure the iPhone won’t fall out on its own when you are moving around.

Be aware of your surroundings. Your phone is more likely to be stolen at a party or at the bar than at your workplace, so be cautious and know where your phone is when you are in public surrounded by people you don’t know.

How to Prevent People from Accessing Data from Your iPhone

There are a number of pre-emptive measures you can take to keep your data safe if your iPhone falls into unwanted hands.

Set a passcode for the lockscreen which isn’t easy to guess. The longer your passcode the better.

Use the Touch ID fingerprint scanner feature which is available on newer iPhone models like the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

If you are selling your iPhone, getting it repaired, or returning it, make sure to erase any data which you have stored on the phone.

Set your iPhone to erase all stored data after a certain number of failed password attempts.

Delete your keyboard cache. Your iPhone can cache keystrokes for up to 12 months, so if the phone falls into unwanted hands someone can potentially get access to the keystrokes for your account passwords. To delete the cache navigate through the Settings to General, then Reset. Next tap on Reset Keyboard Dictionary, and confirm.

For added security, create an encrypted backup your iPhone data on your computer then wipe the iPhone. Your computer will store the information stored and you won’t have to worry about losing all of your data if your phone goes missing.

To encrypt your data backup, sync your iPhone and look for an options menu on the main sync page below the picture of your device. Check the box labelled "encrypt iPhone backup."

How to Keep Your Data Safe When Your iPhone is Lost or Stolen

Set up Find My iPhone. This free app will not only let you track your phone if it goes missing but allows you to wipe all data remotely from a synced computer. The app has to be installed before you lose your phone. Here’s how to get it.

Launch the AppStore and download the free Find My iPhone application.

Enter Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendar > Accounts and select add a MobileMe account.

Log in to the MobileMe account with your Apple ID and password.

Connect to the service and toggle Find My iPhone to ON.

5. Once the app is installed open it on your phone and log in with your Apple ID and password.

The Find My iPhone app has all of the tools you need to keep your data away from prying eyes, it’s free, and it’s officially supported by Apple.

Protect Your iPhone Data Virtually

In addition to physical threats, your iPhone data could be accessed virtually.

Don’t Jailbreak your iPhone. Although there is considerable debate on the matter, Jailbreaking your phone isn’t worth it unless you really know what you are doing. Bypassing Apple’s software limitations you are make your iPhone more vulnerable to malicious apps and programs.

If you use mobile email, make sure you are using it securely and have secure sockets layer (SSL) enabled. To turn it on navigate to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars, then select one of the active email accounts. Tap Advanced, then toggle the SSL option to ON.

Regularly update your iPhone’s firmware to make sure you have the most recent version. Your computer will automatically prompt you to update your firmware when you connect your iPhone. You can also follow Apple on twitter for immediate news on firmware updates.

Although Apple has a reputation for having one of the safer operating systems on the market, you can download anti-virus software or additional security apps. Which apps or programs you choose is a matter of personal preference, so do some research and read reviews to find out which one is right for you.

Unfortunately your data won’t do you any good if your phone is broken. If you are having iPhone issues call us at 613 634 3100 or book an appointment to get your phone fixed today.