Jiří Filip iPhone, iPad and the Mac makes our lives more convenient than ever before. Whether from the point of view of work or personal life, we work with them every day, have fun, store all important data in them and entrust our privacy to the hands of modern technologies. Although Apple products are among the best in terms of security, it is important to take certain steps to ensure that our privacy is not compromised by a stranger. One of the biggest advantages that the iPhone or Mac provide, is biometric access, i.e. Touch ID or Face ID, which is in many ways a key function for each of us. Let's look at it together.
1. A six-digit code instead of a four-digit one
It sounds like a banal way to prevent security, but it is much more difficult even for experienced hackers to crack the six-digit code on iPhone, rather than the default four-digit value, where users often choose quick combinations like 1111,0000 or their year of birth, which is revealed within seconds by random input. So in this step, pay particular attention to which combination of numbers you choose, but it is also important not to forget this code. How to switch code lock? Go to Settings > Face ID and the code > When entering the code, click on the option “Code Options” and select Six digit code. If you want to have an unbreakable device, you can choose your own alphanumeric code with different characters.
2. Two-step 2FA verification for Apple ID
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a secondary security measure that provides you with a passcode for your Apple ID after you enter your username and password on your new device or on iCloud.com. Apple allows its customers to set up 2FA for their iCloud accounts on iPhones and iPads and get codes from a range of trusted devices, including Mac.
How to activate this feature? Open it Settings on your device > Tap the window Apple ID > Select Password and security. Select from the menu Two-factor authentication > Continue > Again Continue > Enter your access code iOS devices > Tap on Done. Then enter a trusted phone number to receive verification codes when you sign in to iCloud.
3. Set up biometrics for authentication
If you have a new iPhone, iPad or Macbook and offers one of the personal identity sensors, i.e. Apple Touch ID (fingerprint sensor) or Face ID (facial recognition), then this is one of the most important steps you need to take. Thanks to the identification, in addition to unlocking, you can use Apple Pay, authorize purchases for iTunes, the App Store and other applications. To unlock the device faster, you can use your fingerprint or face, which is faster than typing a security combination of numbers.
In case you have one of the listed elements available on your device, then go to Settings > Face ID and code (enter code if prompted). Then click on Set up Face ID and confirm the process with the button Start. Front sensors on Apple iPhone will be activated and face mapping will begin. Follow the instructions. An almost similar procedure applies to Touch ID (the last step only maps the captured fingerprint).
On a Mac, the procedure is as follows. Select an offer Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), > System Preferences > touch ID. Click on “Add a fingerprint” and enter the password. Then follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Privacy across previews and notification center
What's the point of having a biometric ID and a 6-digit passcode or a strong password when the lock screen provides all your personal data and access? Control Center lets you turn on the flashlight, but it also lets a thief turn on Airplane mode to prevent tracking your lost device via iCloud.com
Notification Center allows you to look at your messages and updates, but also allows a stranger to do the same. Siri on a Mac computer or iPhone allows you to ask questions and give commands, but also allows anyone else to get some of your information. So if you're at least a little concerned about privacy and security, turn off Notification Center, Control Center, and even Siri on your lock screen. This way no one can disable your device or read your messages. So if you want to turn off previews within notifications (iOS devices), go to Settings > Notification > Previews > When unlocked. On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Notification > Enable notifications and uncheck on the lock screen.
If you want to disable access when locked (iOS), go to Settings > Allow access when locked > Turn off Notification Center, Control Center, Siri, Reply with a message, Home control Wallet > Missed calls, and Today view and search. This way, no one gets access to your personal information.
5. Deactivation of web history recording
What you watch on your devices is your business. However, if you don't want it to be someone else's business, you should ensure that cookies, web history and other information about your browsing are not recorded and tracked across the Internet. For iPhone and iPad simply go to Settings > Safari. > Do not track across pages and Block all Cookies. You can also use anonymous browsing mode, or use a VPN connection provider for maximum privacy, especially if you are connected on public networks.
6. Encrypt data on Mac with FileVault
Great recommendation for owners Mac computers. You can easily encrypt information on your Mac using FileVault protection. FileVault then encrypts the data on your startup drive so that unauthorized users cannot access it. Go to menu System Preferences > Security and privacy > FileVault and tap on Turn on. You will be prompted for a password. Choose the method of unlocking the drive and restoring the login password in case of forgetting (iCloud, recovery key) and confirm the activation with the button Continue.
"This publication and all the mentioned information regarding maximum security have been prepared for you by Michal Dvořák from MacBookarna.cz, which, by the way, has been on the market for ten years and has brokered thousands of successful deals during this time."
