Apple rolls out yearly updates for its mobile operating systems and introduces a slew of privacy and security features for users to enjoy. Here are the security features you should be aware of when using your iPhone or iPad.
Turn on Mail Privacy Protection
Mail privacy protection helps keep your email actions and IP address private from senders with malicious intent. With this feature enabled, senders will be discouraged from inserting tracking pixels into their messages.
Typically, tracking pixels are used by advertisers to monitor the way potential customers interact with their emails. They are invisible images sending callbacks to senders when an email is opened.
You can enable this feature by going to Settings > Mail > Privacy Protection and toggling the switch to green. The button next to Hide IP Address must also be toggled to green.
Activate Lockdown Mode
iPads and iPhones carry a lot of information that might be sensitive. You should protect your data against falling into the wrong hands.
Apple has introduced the Lockdown Mode to take data safety measures to the next level. The feature is available with the latest iOS/iPadOS update.
The Lockdown Mode implements stringent security measures, and when it is enabled, specific websites, apps, and features will be seriously restricted. For example, suppose you activate Lockdown Mode on your phone or tablet. In that case, many things will get blocked on your device, like wired connections with other accessories or devices, incoming invitations from Apple services from new contacts, etc.
Turn on this feature on your device by updating your devices to iOS 16 and iPad 16. Then, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > go through the list of features that will be unavailable while this mode is activated, and then tap Turn On & Restart.
Note Encryption
The ability to secure or lock notes in the Notes application is not new, but many users ignore the feature. As you secure notes, they will be end-to-end encrypted, and you can view the notes using a user-provided passcode or by authenticating with Touch or Face ID.
The quickest way to secure your notes is by holding them down inside a folder and tapping Lock Note.
Rapid Security Response
iOS, iPadOS, and even macOS allow for automatic rapid security responses. Thanks to this, Apple can quickly patch software and ship it to millions of devices without requiring any end-user interaction or a reboot.
The option is available under Settings > General > Software Updates > Automatic Updates.
Passkeys
If you didn’t know, Passkeys is the new authentication method set to replace passwords forever. The feature is implemented with iOS 16 and comes in partnership with Apple, Microsoft, and Google.
Setting this up is a piece of cake. First, if you want to sign up through an application or website that uses Passkeys, you will be prompted to register an account. Then, a window will appear requesting you to save a passkey.
When you return to the app or website to sign in, you can choose your passkey and authenticate using your Touch or Face ID. You don’t need a password, username, or verifications.
Passkeys work seamlessly across Apple devices running iPadOS 16, iOS 16, and macOS Ventura. In addition, the keys created on one operating system are easily synchronized between devices via iCloud Keychain.
Moreover, the local passkeys and the ones exchanged with iCloud are encrypted. So they are unreadable, and you don’t have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands.
App Privacy Report
In iOS 15.2, Apple introduced the App Privacy Report, which is a handy feature. It shows how applications use the permissions you have granted. Also, you can see the third-party domains that may have tried to contact or have been contacted. Thanks to this report, you can tweak the permissions for specific applications to stay safe.
You can enable the App Privacy Report by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report >
Turn On App Privacy Report.
If you want to access the report, tap Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report.
Safety Check
Safety Check is another new security feature with iOS 16. The tool is designed for individuals at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse. Using the tool, you can share information with users, restrict FaceTime and Messages, change passcodes associated with your Apple ID or iPhone, reset system privacy permissions, etc.
You can use Safety Check on your phone if your personal safety is at risk and quickly stop sharing your information. Alternatively, you can review and update sharing with individual apps and people.
The feature acts like a panic button, which you can use to cut off access. Find this feature by tapping Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check.
Conclusion
You must pay attention to these iPad and iPhone security and privacy features. How many of them did you know already?
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