What do you Self-Score for iPhone Device Security and the All-Important Recovery Plan?

Introduction 

The CIA Security Triangle – Confidentiality, Integrity and Accessibility – emphasises the need for a balanced approach to security. Your iPhone, a critical tool for accessing sensitive information, must be both accessible and recoverable. Security is always a balance, especially when theft is a significant concern. An estimated 78,000 people, or more than 200 a day, had their phones or bags stolen in the year leading up to March 2024, according to the Home Office analysis of data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales.  

As we approach the festive season, with more nights out and social events, there’s an increased risk of losing or misplacing your phone. Have you set yourself up to secure your data and ensure its recoverability, whether through theft, loss or simply lack of use? We recommend using biometrics, but if you do, make sure you’re still familiar with other security factors such as your passcode. Ensuring you login into iCloud is just the basics. There are many tips available, but here we focus on some of the lesser-known strategies. Don’t wait until it’s too late – a quick check now could save you from future heartache. 

Checklist: Self-Score on Lesser-Known iPhone Security Tips and Recoverability 

1) Set a Trusted Recovery Contact 

Have you chosen a trusted “Recovery Contact?” This person can help your recover your iPhone if you should become locked out. Consider being a recovery contact for your trusted friends and family as well. 

You can set-up an account recovery contact in settings: 

• Go to Settings, then tap [your name] 

• Tap Sign-in & Security, then tap Account Recovery 

• Tap add Recovery Contact, then follow the on-screen steps to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID 

2) Disable Access Control Centre from the Locked Screen

Have you disabled access to the Control Centre from the lock screen to prevent airplane mode? Imagine a thief being able to control your phone while it’s locked – not ideal. While they can still power off the phone, disabling this feature adds an extra layer of friction for the thief.  

You can disable access to the control centre from the locked screen in settings: 

• Go to settings and tap Face ID & Passcode 

• Enter your passcode once prompted 

• Scroll down and turn off the switch next to Control Centre 

3) Enable Apple Stolen Device Protection 

Is Apple’s stolen device protection enabled in your iPhone? This feature provides an extra layer of security, especially when you’re un unfamiliar locations. It helps prevent someone who has stolen your device and knows your passcode from making critical changes to your account or device. 

You can turn on stolen device protection in settings: 

• Go to Settings, then tap Face ID and Passcode 

• Enter your device passcode  

• Tap Stolen Device Protection, then turn it on 

4) Activate Find My iPhone and Share Location 

Have you enabled Find My iPhone and shared your location with a trusted person? Also, check when your device was last backed up to the iCloud to ensure to ensure you can recover your data and photos if needed. 

How to turn on Find My iPhone in settings: 

• Go to Settings and tap on [your name] 

• Then tap on Find My iPhone 

• Turn on Find My iPhone 

• If you want friends and family to know where you are, turn on Share My Location 

5) Test Your Recovery Plan 

Having a tested recovery plan is crucial to keeping your device safe. Here are some steps to ensure you are prepared: 

• Know your iCloud Account Credentials: Make sure you know your iCloud account credentials, not just saved passwords in your browser. Reset your credentials before you need them. It’s far easier to do this before your device is stolen or you forget your credentials 

• Check Contact Numbers: Login via iCloud.com to see what contacts are saved. Consider using a secure alternative email address rather than iCloud 

• Keep Device Details Handy: Have details of you iPhone such as IMEI/ serial number and the original receipt (which has the serial number on) to prove ownership 

• Set Medical Data: Set medical data to aid in getting lost iPhone back to you. Remember, a thief can access this information too. 

• Apple Pay Backup: Are you using Apple Pay by default? In the case of emergency, such as lost or stolen device, ensure you have a physical credit or debit card available for use 

• Verify Phone Number: Make sure your phone number associated to your iCloud account is current, as this is crucial for recovering a forgotten iCloud account 

Conclusion 

Regularly reviewing and updating your security settings can make all the difference. Taking these steps can significantly enhance your iPhones security and ensure you can recover data quickly if the worst happens. While these measures are not absolute, they do provide substantial protection when combined with passcode and biometric security, as well as regular software updates. 

If you’ve found a tip in this article that could benefit your contacts, consider sharing with them. A quick reminder can go a long way in enhancing everyone’s security and peace of mind.