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Harden Digital Life Series – Part 3: Lock Down Your iPhone
"APPLE IS EVIL!"
That may be true, but the tech is hard to let go for many, especially with so few decent alternatives that have a better privacy record out there.
Many will find some of the following setting changes to be too impractical and that is normal and fine, everyone should make their own changes - balancing their threat level with ease of use.
Also remember that cell phones are tracking your every move, no matter how much you tighten privacy and security, so consider deploying a Faraday bag as and when needed (See LINK).
It is possible to purchase, set up, and have some function for an iPhone anonymously and it be untraceable. This would require extreme dedication and is unfeasible for the majority. A later article will cover this method and its value in the case of an exceptional threat level.
ALWAYS update with the latest software when prompted by Apple or Android. A true privacy enthusiast will check the log of any new update to make sure the company is not sneaking anything untoward in there.
PHONE LOCK/UNLOCK
This is too cumbersome for some and may not meet your threat level, but it could assist in a range of very bad situations.
Fingerprint and Face ID are dangerous methods of locking the phone as it leaves you open to forced unlocking. For better security use a PIN code and for the best security use an alpha numeric code.
If you must use Face ID or fingerprint access, leave it for the internal apps only.
The following assumes you are already using Face ID on the latest iPhone with no fingerprint capability.
1. SETTINGS>FACE ID & PASSCODE>USE FACE ID FOR (Swipe all left)
Then
2. SETTINGS>FACE ID & PASSCODE>CHANGE PASSCODE
3. When prompted for a new passcode press 'PASSCODE OPTIONS' instead (See image below).
4. Choose CUSTOM ALPHANUMERIC CODE
In one simple act you have now made the iPhone impenetrable to physical access by them.
TIP – Do not choose a passcode anyone else can guess, certainly avoid dates of birth and family names – A hackers dream ticket.
DO NOT USE iCloud
Too many breaches to mention, but all cloud services are best avoided. Store locally on your own encrypted device. This article details the vulnerability with cloud services in general https://www.hackread.com/cloud-security-sensitive-data-security/
1. SETTINGS>APPLE ID>iCloud
Then
2. PHOTOS/BACKUP/KEYCHAIN ALL OFF
3. iCloud DRIVE OFF
Then
4. TURN OFF ALL APPS USING iCloud
ON SCREEN MESSAGE/EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS OFF
Disabling on screen notifications helps to counter 'shoulder surfers' trying to spy on your device. It also prevents bad state actors from seizing the device and learning more about your associates with you unable to warn them.
You can either disable all on screen app previews (ultimate privacy) or individually for each app (good for emails and messaging apps).
1. SETTINGS>NOTIFICATIONS>SHOW PREVIEWS>NEVER
Or
2. SETTINGS>APP OF CHOICE>LOCK SCREEN APPEARANCE>SHOW PREVIEWS>NEVER
TURN SIRI OFF
Siri is always listening to you. Never a good thing for privacy.
1. SETTINGS>SIRI & SEARCH>TURN OFF ALL
2. SETTINGS>SIRI & SEARCH>CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL APPS>TURN OFF ALL
LOCATION SERVICES
What is your threat level? If high, then you should switch it off entirely. If you are less concerned, then go through each app individually to allow access when using.
Even so Apple is tracking the phone everywhere you go. Latest updates allow Find my phone to track the phone even when the battery is dead!
1. For full shutdown go to SETTINGS>LOCATION SERVICES>TURN OFF
This will create issues when using some apps and may need to be switched on for each individual purpose.
2. For individual app switch offs leave location services on, then
SETTINGS>PRIVACY>LOCATION SERVICES>APP OF CHOICE>ASK NEXT TIME
3. For even more freedom
SETTINGS>PRIVACY>LOCATION SERVICES>APP OF CHOICE>WHILE USING APP
Regardless, you should NEVER allow any app to be tracking always. Not least because it will drain your battery.
OTHER SETTINGS ADVICE
Airdrop is hackable, turn off.
SETTINGS>GENERAL>AIRDROP>RECEIVING OFF
Tracking and linking to other cell phones positioning, very ugly for privacy. No thanks!
SETTINGS>EXPOSURE NOTIFICATIONS>TURN OFF
Tracking from your apps for their profit is always a bad thing.
SETTINGS>PRIVACY>TRACKING>DO NOT ALLOW
Autofill on any device is dangerous in case the cloud storing them is hacked.
SETTINGS>PASSWORDS>AUTOFILL PASSWORDS>OFF
'Find my iPhone' is tracking ++. Just don't have the phone stolen.
SETTINGS>PRIVACY>SHARE MY LOCATION>FIND MY iPhone>OFF
Put cell phone down on the desk and a snooper picks it up to browse. Impossible with this setting.
SETTINGS>FACE ID & PASSCODE>REQUIRE PASSCODE>IMMEDIATELY
Erase phone data after 10 failed passcode attempts. Perfect!
SETTINGS>FACE ID & PASSCODE>ERASE DATA
MISC TIPS
- Go through the privacy section in settings in detail and adjust as you wish. You may be surprised at what information each app is collecting!
- Try to limit or not use Bluetooth. It is hackable and another way to access the phone.
- Regularly clean up the cell phone of pictures, messages etc. Deploy an encrypted hard drive for storage.
- I do not recommend using Apple Wallet for storing a credit card. Numerous examples of card details being stolen.
- Airplane mode does not disable tracking. Only a Faraday bag will stop tracking entirely.
- Completely wiping the phone works very well. It is impossible for anything to be retrieved from the phone after that. https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/erase-old-iphone-before-trading-in/
AND FINALLY…
Destroy and replace the cell phone as often as is financially feasible if your risk level is high. There really is no better protection than the occasional destruction and replacing of a phone and laptop, as cumbersome and expensive as it may be.