iPhone Security Tips in 2024: Secure Your iPhone From Hackers 

Regularly updating your apps and operating system keeps your iPhone secure. Apple frequently deploys iOS updates to patch software vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers, potentially compromising your security (read more about this topic in our ransomware statistics article).

For apps, the best way to keep your software secure is to enable automatic updates. Go to Settings > App Store > App Updates and toggle the option to “on.” iOS usually has automatic updates that notify you when they’re ready. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Two-factor authentication (or 2FA) makes you provide extra information to verify your identity when using your Apple ID on an unfamiliar or new device, like a new phone or web browser. It’s one of the best methods to avoid identity theft. You must input your device password, and a second factor — a six-digit number or security key — will be sent to your existing device or phone number.

To set up two-factor authentication, follow these steps: 

Go to Settings > (tap your name) > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.

Your iPhone has a “privacy & security” menu that details which apps can access your location data, contact list, camera and other sensitive information. You’ll also find details on app permissions for tracking activities and location access. Check each option and toggle off any app permissions that you feel are invasive to your data and online privacy.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security to access these options. Scroll down to switch on the app privacy report. This records information like data access, app activity and frequently contacted domains, making it easier to make adjustments on an app-by-app basis.

Safety check is a feature that quickly stops the sharing of data and information with apps and other people if your circumstances change. 

There are two options for using it:

1. Emergency Reset: This feature instantly resets data-sharing access with all people and apps, and prompts you to change your Apple ID password and review your emergency contacts.
2. Manage Sharing & Access: This option lets you customize which apps and people can access your information, and allows you to review your account security.

To find this feature on your compatible iPhone, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.

Notifications that pop up when your iPhone is locked can reveal private and sensitive data that you might not want others to see, like private messages and mail activity. To avoid this, change your notification settings to only display notifications when your phone is unlocked.

Go to Settings > Notifications > Show Previews and choose “when unlocked” or “never.” If you’re concerned about sensitive information in specific apps (like emails or WhatsApp), you can switch off notifications for those apps. For example, head to Notifications > WhatsApp > Show Previews to disable lock screen notifications for that app.

One of the biggest threats to iPhone users involves fake apps that are loaded with malware or are designed to trick you into divulging your sensitive data. When downloading third-party apps, make sure you get them from the Apple app store — don’t sideload apps or download them from shady websites.

Depending on your iPhone model, you’ll have Face ID or Touch ID. While Touch ID is considered more secure than Face ID, both are excellent ways to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your device. Make sure you also set up a strong passcode. A strong passcode comprises six numbers that can’t be easily linked to you — so not your birth date!

To set up Face ID or Touch ID, head to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode and follow the prompts to turn on biometric authentication. You can also set up or change your device passcode from there.

Putting down your iPhone and forgetting it is not only inconvenient, but also a security risk if someone can access your device. Switching on Find My iPhone lets you track your phone to an exact location using another Apple device. You can also remotely wipe your phone to protect your data if you think it’s been stolen.

To activate the “Find My iPhone” feature, go to Settings > (tap your name) > Find My > Find My iPhone.

Stolen device protection is a newer security feature that activates when your iPhone is away from familiar locations. Turn on this new iPhone setting to protect your money and photos from someone who may take your device while knowing your passcode.

To turn on stolen device protection, go to Settings > Face ID/Touch ID & Passcode > (enter your passcode) > Stolen Device Protection and activate it.

Tools like a quality VPN and password manager will boost your iPhone security. An iPhone VPN encrypts connections, which is especially useful on public WiFi that hackers often use to intercept sensitive data.

• A service like ExpressVPN is one of the top VPNs for iPhones — you can read all about it in our ExpressVPN review.

A password manager works by protecting all of your website and app passwords, so you don’t have to remember tons of unique passwords or reuse a password multiple times (which is extremely risky). They can also help you generate secure passwords. 

• Our favorite password manager for iOS is 1Password. You can find out why in our 1Password review.

A privacy screen limits the viewing angle of your iPhone screen, so only the person holding the phone can see what’s on it. It’s useful for areas like public transport, the office or eateries, allowing you to check banking apps and sensitive data without anyone spying on your activity.