iPhone 5 Security Tips

iPhone's are big business, not just for retailers but for thieves as well. These devices can net big money on the open market, especially when they are sold in poorer countries. But there are often other more serious issues that accompany hardware loss, such as data theft. iPhone's are basically mini personal computers, and the loss of vital personal and professional data, like photos, account numbers and work info can be devastating to a person. In fact, a talented and tech-savvy thief can easily parlay a stolen iPhone into full-on identity theft.

So what’s to be done about this problem, and how can iPhone 5 owners properly protect themselves against such theft? The good news is that with each subsequent operating system, Apple improves its iPhone security features. Here are some tips every iPhone 5 owner should follow when considering the overall security of their smartphone.

Enable auto-lock and passcode lock.

This is the first line of defense against those looking to steal data off an iPhone. Yes, it can be more than a little frustrating having to enter a passcode on the keypad every time the screen locks, but it’s a small price to pay for piece of mind. The process for enabling these features is a simple one:

From the home screen, go to Settings > General > Auto Lock. Then set the auto-lock feature to the desired amount of time the unit is inactive before the screen locks.

For passcode lock, go to Settings > General > Passcode Lock. Locate the Simple Passcode field and set it to OFF. Locate the Require Passcode field and set the amount of time the unit is inactive before the passcode is required.

iPhone 5 users can also opt to enable a more severe security measure called the Erase Data feature. By enabling this feature, the unit automatically wipes all data on the device after 10 failed password attempts.

Install the latest software updates

This may seem like a no-brainer as well, but those with older iPhone models would often forgo this tip because installing updates meant physically connecting the unit to a computer. Not so with the latest operating system. iPhone 5 users can now quickly find and download software updates right from their handhelds by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

iPhone 5 users should do this regularly, as software updates often contain new and useful security patches.

Limit Internet use

Whenever possible, iPhone users should limit their use of Wi-Fi. Not only does this help protect data, but it conserves battery life as well. To do this, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and select the OFF setting. It’s also important not to use many Wi-FI access points, especially in crowded areas such as airports or shopping centers. Places like this are ground zero for thieves looking to intercept data transmissions via email or other methods.

On a similar note, iPhone owners should only use Bluetooth when necessary. Having this feature enabled all the time puts the device at risk of being found by dubious third parties who may want to connect to it and intercept data. To disable Bluetooth, go to Settings > General > Bluetooth and set it to OFF.

Disable location-based services

Many mobile users love checking in on location-based social networking sites such as Foursquare. But even though sites like this can be fun and useful, the iPhone’s location services can pose a security risk as well. Unless absolutely necessary, location services should be turned off by going to Settings > Location Services and setting them to OFF.

Secure Safari

Data thieves love stealing password and account info via unguarded Safari browser settings. To prevent this from happening, iPhone users should disable AutoFill in Safari by going to Settings > AutoFill and switching it to OFF. Users should then set the Fraud Warning to ON. This will prevent Safari from accessing any one of a number of fraudulent websites stored on a blacklist.

By adhering to these simple tips, iPhone 5 users should be reasonably confident in their data security. More importantly, iPhone owners should avoid jail breaking at all costs. Aside from the legal ramifications now involved, the process of opening up an iPhone so it can be used on any network erases vital security code signatures and makes the device vulnerable to malware and data theft.

Scott Johnson is a tech blogger who writes on behalf of companies such as  Protectyourbubble.com smartphone insurer, a popular brand who insures gadgets that people can’t live without.

Disclaimer:  BuySellRepairs is not affiliated with Apple, the Apple logo, are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone (R) and iPad (R) are a trademarks of Apple Inc. BuySellRepairs is not affiliated with or endorsed by/or representing Apple, the "Apple" logo, iPhone (R), iPad (R), iPod (R) and any other product names, service names or logos of iPhone and/or iPad/iPod used, quoted and/or referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. We are not encouraged to promote one brand over another, nor to follow the manufacturer's retail price guidelines. This article is for  informational purpose only. We do not take any responsibility what so ever.

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