Apple iPhone: 10 ways to avoid increasing security threats

Mumbai: A Symantec research that surfaced a few days back revealed a sharp increase in the number of threats affecting Apple devices. According to the report, the numbers of malware and other viruses that can affect Apple devices have doubled over the past seven years. The report pointed out that the rising popularity of Apple’s handsets has been a primary cause for augmented threats.

Additionally, we also contacted  Tarun Kaura, Director – Product Solutions Management – APJ, Symantec who gave some valuable insights on how " how regular Apple users can protect thier devices" from the increasing number of threats. 

In his reply, he said: “Apple devices, especially the iPhones are quite a huge hit amongst Indians. With the continued frenzy for Apple gear, the number of threats affecting these devices has multiplied in recent years. As a first step towards using an Apple device that is secure, Symantec urges users to avoid jailbreaking their device and using an updated anti-virus solution.” 

He also said that Jailbroken iOS devices are the focus of the majority of threats and, of the 13 iOS threats documented by Symantec to date, nine can only infect Jailbroken devices. Attackers targeting the operating system need to find a way to install malware on a device, jailbreaking provides this easy passage to these attackers.”

"As a first step towards using an Apple device that is secure, Symantec urges users to avoid jailbreaking their device and using an updated anti-virus solution," he added. 

On asked whether threats related to Apple devices will further multiply in 2016, Kaura said: “Although the number of threats targeting Apple operating systems remains quite low when compared to the company’s main competitors (Windows in the desktop space and Android in mobile), the malware uncovered in the apple operating system has grown steadily in recent years.” “Symantec’s predictions for 2016 highlighted that the opportunities for cyber criminals to compromise Apple devices will continue to grow in 2016”, he added.

Apple’s app store has been under the radar after facing a serious security threat in September, when it discovered that a large number of Trojanized iOS apps were being hosted by the app service. Another reason highlighted by the report is the increased vulnerability of jailbroken devices that can be infected by other malwares from third party app-stores. In an age where sophisticated online crimes and cyber terrorism has become rampant, the company should takes steps to identify and remove malware and other malicious software from their ecosystem.

Symantec also suggested the following precautionary measures for Apple users who should not be complacent about security and change their perception that Apple devices are “free from malware”.

Rely on Apple’s app store only: Download content from trustworthy sources such as Apple’s own app store. Apple checks and pre-verifies all the applications before allowing them on the app store. However, if you wander off beyond this limit, you might just be attracting new viruses waiting to infiltrate the device. 

Keep your device updated: Always update to the most recent version of the iOS (iOS 9). When a virus is identified, Apple will first remove it from the latest iOS version first.

Always keep a strong pass code or a fingerprint lock: You should always set a very complicated pass code, which is also the most elementary way of preventing an attack.Moreover, all the iPhones starting from the 5s have been equipped with Touch ID—a feature that scans your finger to unlock the device.

Two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes referred to as two-step verification, is an additional layer of security that users are advised to enable. With 2FA, even if an attacker gets hold of your user name and password they still won’t be able to access your data because they won’t have the verification code that’s sent to your trusted device.

Find My iPhone: The Find My iPhone service allows you to track your iPhone should it be lost, stolen, or misplaced, and can be accessed through either the Find My iPhone app on another device or on the web. This service also gives you the option of remotely wiping your device, meaning that if your phone does happen to fall into the hands of a thief, you can at least make sure your data doesn’t. 

Don’t jailbreak your Apple iPhone: While jailbreaking can be useful for users who want to install software outside Apple’s app store, there are high chances that you might download a malware-infected app.

Instruct your handset to delete data automatically: Your Apple device is smart and can identify suspicious activity. If some one is trying to break into your device, it will automatically delete all the data after the pin is incorrectly entered for 10 times.

Avoid using SIRI:  A new research conducted by two researchers at French security organisation ANSSI has revealed that hackers can remotely and discreetly transmit radio commands to control any iPhone, which has SIRI enabled. SIRI can even leak data when your device is locked. To avoid such a scenario, you can simply go to settings and disable SIRI when your phone is inactive.

Avoid open Wi-Fi networks: Open Wi-Fi networks can be tempting but connecting to these networks can make your device an easy target for cyber-criminals.You should always try to avoid open Wi-Fi networks, especially when accessing personal or sensitive information.

Get mobile security software for iOS: While the iPhone has myriad pre-installed security features, you can always install external anti-virus software from trusted dealers like Symantec to protect your device from all kinds of threats.