Iphone

IPHONE SECURITY

In this article we would discuss Iphone security. We would discuss various vulnerabilities that exist in IPhone’s operating system. We would also suggest you some tips that would help you protect your Iphone and increase its security. To most of the users Iphone is much more than just a mobile phone, and with extra privilege comes extra care, read our article and give the level of security to your iphone that it deserves.

Apple’s Iphone had become one of the most widely used cellular phone and one can even say it has become a ‘status symbol’. But as we know every portable device specially mobiles have some security issues, same is the case with iphone. The ability of iphone to contain diverse applications and serve its users in multiple, innovative and creative ways has made it a remarkable success story in mobile industry. But its strength turned into its greatest vulnerability when some reprobate techies started using the applications for malicious actions. If we talk about the iphone, the most stunning feature of this smart phone that comes to our minds is its Applications. Does the applications have made iphone more vulnerable?, that’s one of the most debatable questions nowadays. Dejectedly speaking the answer is yes!

For software developers, security had always been a huge issue. Making a software secure is a mission critical goal for developer. But security becomes even more important when we are talking about softwares that are built for smart phones like iphone and mobile devices. The reason is the nature of data that is stored in them. Iphone, like all the other mobile phones contains users contact numbers, names, address, photos, logs, schedules, notes and music files. Considering this type of data the chances of finding sensitive information are fairly high. While the Iphone generally averts applications from accessing the software or nucleus architecture, the application still can gain access to secondary level and if that application is tempered or being controlled by a malefactor, it can get you in some serious trouble.

To address these issues apple adds data safety features with every iteration of iphone operating system which includes on-phone encryption of files, but again these encryptions can be bypassed. Apple reviews each Iphone application submitted by developers and the developers are also forced to check its security, vulnerabilities still exist and iphone users must be aware of them. Iphone security awareness is especially important for corporate and enterprise users due to the nature of data that they store in their iphones. Below are some really basic and easy tips that would help you make your iphone as secure as possible.

The first and primary advice about iphone security is, never leave your iphone unlocked, the rule is applicable not only for Iphone but all portable or mobile devices that contain your personal and sensitive data. This task can be accomplished by enabling the auto lock feature of iphone. The auto lock feature locks the screen when left unused for a specified time. The autolock feature of iphone not only saves battery power, it also ensures protection and security. A pin code can also be applied on auto lock feature to enhance the security of iphone. Combined with the pin code, auto lock becomes a robust security feature for iphone. The pass code feature can also be timed to turn on after five, ten, fifteen, thirty or sixty minutes after the auto lock feature has been applied either manually or automatically. This feature has also the additional ability of SMS preview and erase data. The SMS preview feature shows a one line preview of sms when ever it is received. The erase data feature is another innovative addition to iphone security arsenal. The erase data function deletes all data present in the iphone after ten failed pass code attempts. The feature also has the ability of increasing the interval between different pass code entry attempts. The interval can be set to five, ten, fifteen, thirty, sixty minutes or even one day.

The wifi connectivity is another must have function of iphone. It lets you connect to and enjoy high speed internet when you are in range or near a wifi hotspot. But ignoring necessary precautionary measures before connecting to a wireless network can have serious repercussions. Before connecting your iphone to a wifi network, you must check your network is secure by Wifi protected access or any other wireless security protocol. Changing the name of your home(default) wireless network can be helpful to increase your iphone security. It would diminish the chances of accidently connecting to another unsecure network with the same name and configuration. Always use the iphone ‘Ask to join’ option. While using this option, your iphone would ask for permission before connecting to any wireless network.

Always disable Bluetooth and wifi option when not in use. It would not only put your iphone to a battery saving mode but also protect your iphone from connecting to unsecure networks and receiving malicious data. If you are a corporate user and access want to access your business emails via iphone, the most secure way to do so is by using Lotus notes or Microsoft Exchange server. For domestic users using mail services such as Gmail, the SSL service of iphone would do the job for you. But its still important for you to make sure that the SSL feature is turned on, it can be accessed in advanced settings tab.

While surfing the internet via your iphone, always make sure you are using a secure and safe browser with all its safety and security mechanisms on and working. The pop up blocker must be active and working and you also may check the cookies settings to increase security. To protect your iphone from unauthorized usage always set the device usage restrictions according to the way you use your iphone. Always keep your iphone protected and secure by keeping up with apple’s updates. You have to manually download and apply these updates, so always stay aware of the developments. These updates are often made available by Apple in form of patches. Keep track of the latest updates and download and apply them whenever they are available. Never jailbreak your iphone. The iphone jailbreak disables the security mechanisms that Apple created for the security and safety of your iphone.