By Usman Shaukat
Apple has always been one of the leading brands to invest efforts into user security and privacy through all devices. From innovative options for handling various critical situations to the latest password protections and log-in practices, Apple was always big on fixing unexpected issues, launching game-changing upgrades, etc.
The latest iOS16 is the industry standard regarding user experience, security, and privacy. If you’re an Apple fan loyal to the brand, you’ll want to know more about the new security features and how they help protect your privacy.
Passkey adoption
iOS officially departed from traditional passwords and usernames by introducing innovative passkeys. Instead of struggling with passwords, you’ll now have a unique digital code in your device that allows access to a specific website.
Each website you access from your phone will require a unique digital key. This security feature involves scanning QR codes to save passkeys for signing into your favorite websites, including verifying your access using Touch ID or Face ID.
New iOS16 protects your digital keys by storing them safely on your device, thus preventing cybercriminals from getting your data or taking over your accounts. Gone are the days when you had to worry about online password security. Passkeys are the next standard in the mobile user privacy market.
Innovative authentication methods
iOS16 hasn’t forgotten about your sensitive photos. You can now add an extra layer of security to touchy visuals on your device with an extra safety lock.
All sensitive photos and deletion materials will go to Hidden and Recently Deleted storage in the Photos app.
The only way to access it is to use a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID. In addition, you can unlock your device with Face ID using a portrait or landscape mode.
Permission requests
Over the past few years, Apple users have struggled with security loopholes that served as the entry point for malicious attacks. Most suspicious applications could access the iOS clipboard and view, copy, and paste data without users’ permission.
Thankfully, iOS16 solved many security issues by introducing new permission requests for third-party apps. Users must approve access before apps can tap into the pasteboard to transfer content from other services.
Apple also changed the way users manage permissions on iOS16 devices. They can connect their phones to non-AirPlay streaming devices to stream videos.
Cybercrime and domestic violence settings
Victims of domestic violence now have a new option to revoke current sharing settings granted to others. A new option called Safety Check is available in the iOS16 Settings menu and allows the user to reset access instantly and prevent others from accessing your device.
You can test this security feature by following these steps:
- Navigate your phone to the Settings menu.
- Open the Privacy and Security tab and locate Safety Check.
- Tap on Emergency Reset to reset access to all your apps.
- Tap on Manage Sharing & Access to review who has access to your data.
In addition to emergency settings, iOS16 has also introduced a new Lockdown Mode. This option allows users to protect their data against targeted digital threats such as ransomware, spyware, etc. Aside from cyber protection, Lockdown Mode temporarily limits your device’s functionality.
That includes requiring a passkey to access USB accessories, blocking invitations to Shared Albums and removing the tab, blocking Apple services and incoming unknown FaceTime calls, slowing the website loading speed, limiting browsing functions, and blocking message attachments.
Security tips for iOS 16 users
Here are a few tips to help keep your iPhone safe.
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is an excellent security enhancement that boosts your device’s security by requiring verification for logging in to your Apple ID using different devices. Go to Settings, locate your Apple ID profile, navigate to Password & Security and turn on Two-Factor Authentication. You’ll have to enable two-factor authentication for each account if you’re using multiple online accounts. According to previous statistics, around 95% of Apple users enabled 2FA before the release of the Passkeys feature.
Disable ad tracking
Disabling ad tracking allows you to protect your data against third-party services and apps that want to sell your information to advertisers. You can enable this feature by tapping Privacy & Security, accessing Tracking, and turning on Allow Apps to Request to Track.
Use a more private browser and VPN
Since iOS16 uses the Safari search engine by default, you can change it to something more private, like DuckDuckGo. It is also recommended to start a VPN download to make your device more immune to tracking and web threats. A Virtual Private Network has many benefits up its sleeve. It encrypts internet traffic and makes it impossible for anyone to read it. Furthermore, it can mask your IP address, which also obfuscates your actual location.
Conclusion
User privacy and security are among the hottest subjects of the 21st century. However, the number of companies trying to track their customers and cyber-attacks such as data leaks and breaches is still rising.
No matter how safe and secure you think your phone is, you’re still sharing your information with third parties. Thankfully, Apple continues to upgrade its privacy policies to make its devices as safe as possible for the user. These new security features should help you better protect your data.
