Sunday Tech Corner with Alex
Most of us keep nearly our entire digital lives on our iPhones—email, photos, passwords, banking apps, health information, and more. That makes keeping your phone secure more important than ever. Fortunately, your iPhone already has several powerful security tools built in. The key is making sure they’re turned on and up to date.
1. Install the latest iPhone updates.
Security fixes are one of the biggest reasons not to ignore software updates.
To check:
Settings → General → Software Update
If an update is available, tap Update Now. You can also turn on Automatic Updates so important security fixes install automatically.
2. Turn on Stolen Device Protection.
This feature adds extra protection if someone steals your iPhone and knows your passcode.
Go to:
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Stolen Device Protection
Turn it On. You can also choose to require the additional security delay at all locations for even stronger protection.
3. Make sure Two-Factor Authentication is enabled.
Two-factor authentication helps prevent someone from accessing your Apple Account even if they obtain your password.
Go to:
Settings → Your Name → Sign-In & Security → Two-Factor Authentication
Make sure it shows as enabled and verify that your trusted phone numbers are current.
4. Start using passkeys.
Passkeys can replace traditional passwords on supported websites and apps. They’re easier to use and much harder for scammers to steal through phishing.
When a website or app offers Create a Passkey, choose that option. Your iPhone can securely save it to the Passwords app and authenticate you with Face ID or Touch ID.
You can review saved passkeys in:
Passwords → Passkeys
5. Review your privacy permissions.
Apps often request access to your location, photos, contacts, microphone, camera, and other personal information.
Go to:
Settings → Privacy & Security
Review categories such as Location Services, Photos, Contacts, Microphone, Camera, and Bluetooth. If an app no longer needs access, turn it off or limit its permissions.
Your iPhone already includes excellent security features, but they work best when you take a few minutes to configure them. These five checks can significantly improve your protection—and most of them only take a few seconds.
