iPhones were once hailed as the securest cellular option, courtesy of Apple’s smartphone operating system iOS and its walled-garden approach. Security experts and tech enthusiasts busted the myth long ago and continue to point out bugs and security loopholes that leave the device susceptible to threats. There are a handful of security issues that every iPhone user must know to prevent their communications and data from getting compromised.
A rocky ride for Apple’s latest operating system
Released in September, iOS 7 has already received three updates. If you haven’t upgraded to the latest version, i.e. 7.0.3 yet, then you better do it right away because first three versions of Apple’s latest operating have gaping security holes in them. In iOS 7.0, it is possible to view the notification center if the screen is locked. Apple covered the hole with the release of version 7.0.1, but another loophole surfaced, this one allowing a person to bypass the screen passcode through Control Center. Another update was released to resolve the issue. Just as the iPhone users began to relax, the lockscreen bug allowing a person to gain unsolicited access to a locked phone’s address book, communications and other data was discovered.
The price for smooth and convenient online experience
There is very little to dislike about Apple’s web browser, but unfortunately, it has a Brutus-like tendency to stab you in the back when your iPhone falls in someone else’s hands. Safari’s AutoFill feature saves your usernames, passwords and credit card information for your convenience. It also stores cookies and history to make your online experience faster and smoother. With such information stored on your phone, anyone who has access to your phone can access your mailing, social networking and bank accounts. Your credit card information and Internet behavior is also revealed. You can curb this threat by clearing cookies and history after every session, or using the Private mode while browsing. Also try not to use the AutoFill feature, especially for bank accounts. Keep in mind that cybercriminals can still steal the information using spy app for iPhone.
A suspicious guard on duty
Safari’s Fraudulent Warning Feature may have been introduced to protect you from phishing, but in order to do that, it sends all the URLs you request to Apple, where the requested URLs are verified. Unless you are comfortable with sharing your Internet behavior with Apple, you may want to disable the feature.
You can run, but you can’t hide
The new feature in iOS 7 that allows Maps to remember the locations that you frequently visit and deliver traffic information is no doubt very useful. However, one must not forget that the feature is basically allowing Apple to track all your favorite places. What if the company decides to share this information with someone else, say National Security Agency? You can disable the Frequent Locations feature from the Privacy section in the Settings menu.
Tracking trouble
iPhone comes with the Ad Tracking feature, which allows apps to track user’s online and even phone habits. It then uses this information to deliver target ads to the phone. Some of you may dismiss it as paranoia, but using UDIDs for such tracking purpose makes it no less dangerous than a spyware. If you are unnerved by apps tracking your phone and online habits, you can turn on Limit Ad Tracking from the Privacy section in the Settings menu.
There is no denying the fact that Apple leaves no stone unturned when it comes to removing kinks from its operating system and offering a fulfilling experience. It may not always succeed in achieving its goal, but one thing is for sure, it sure doesn’t believe in giving up.
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