How to Secure Your iOS 12 Device

A year after the iOS 11 release, Apple finally released iOS 12: A new and improved OS for iPhones and iPads everywhere. Unlike the previous OS updates, however, this year focused on combating Apple security issues more than improving Apple features.

In this article, I’ll be laying out all of the updates that come with iOS 12 and show you what else you can do to keep your Apple products secure at all times.

iOS 12 – Security Fixes

As I mentioned above, Apple’s latest update focuses more on fixing previous problems than bringing anything new to the table. Here is a list of the most notable security fixes that Apple implemented in iOS 12:

• Safari’s URL spoofing problem.
• Account identifier problem.
• Bluetooth traffic interception problem.
• Apps getting information from the camera view before being granted access.
• Applications reading restricted memory.
• Attackers spoofing password prompts in iTunes Store.
• Local users being able to discover a user’s deleted messages.
• Local users being able to read a user’s deleted notes and see a user’s visited websites.
• Users unable to delete browsing history.
• Malicious websites able to exfiltrate auto-filled data in Safari.
• Malicious websites leading to address bar spoofing.
• Attackers able to exploit weaknesses in the RC4 cryptographic algorithm.
• The ability to find the last used app on an iOS device from the lock screen.

iOS 12 – Features and Updates

Even though this update wasn’t very “features heavy”, Apple still released new and interesting features and updates that you should look into:

• Faster and more responsive performance.
• Smoother animations.
• Up to 40% faster app launch.
• Up to 50% faster keyboard display.
• Group FaceTime.
• FaceTime audio and video (for Groups).
• Up to 70% faster swipe to Camera
• More versatile Animojis and Memojis.
• Better Parental Control options.
• Grouped notifications.
• A Do Not Disturb feature.
• New horizons for AR experiences including shared experienced fixed to real-world locations.
• Automatic Strong Passwords.
• Security Code AutoFill.
• Password reuse auditing.
• and more.

How to Protect Your iOS 12 Device

iOS 12 came out on September 17, which means that Apple has had time to fix any minor bugs the update may have brought. In other words, there’s no real danger in downloading the new OS right now. That being said, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before you start the download. What you want to guarantee that you don’t lose any of your data and you don’t forget to turn on important security features.

Tips and Tricks Before You Update

Before you start updating any phone, you need to make sure that you’ve taken all of the necessary precautions so you won’t risk losing any of your files. Here’s a quick checklist you should go through before you start your update:

1. Backup your device. Make a recent back-up of your device on iCloud or on your computer. This should guarantee you being able to get your files even if the update deletes them.
2. Write your passwords down. When you update to iOS 12, you’ll be asked to enter your credentials to log back into your account. Save them on a piece of paper before you update just to be on the safe side! (Remember to tear up the paper after…)
3. Clear your phone from any unused or old apps. The less your phone needs to take into account while updating the better. Make sure to uninstall any apps or programs you don’t use for a smoother transition.
4. Give your device the optimal conditions for upgrading. In other words, connect your device to a secured and private WiFi connection and plug it into its charger.

Once you’ve made sure that you’ve checked all of those marks, go right ahead and upgrade to iOS 12.

Protect Your iOS 12 Device When Online with a VPN

Despite all of the new security features iOS 12 devices can offer, you’re still never really safe when you’re online. Attackers can find vulnerabilities in anything so you need a way to protect your data and information. The best way to do that is by using a VPN. A VPN will re-route your traffic through a secure tunnel, making it impossible for any third-party to view what you’re doing online. VPNs also encrypt your data and protect you from any data theft attacks.

I suggest using an iOS-friendly VPN like ExpressVPN. The great thing here is that ExpressVPN is widely known to be the best VPN service provider on the market.

All you have to do to be protected online is sign-up for the service, download the app, and connect to one of their servers. The added protection a VPN can give you lets you rest assured that you’re doing all you can to protect your information. To top it all off, there’s a long list of cool things you can do with a VPN!

iOS 12 Update – Final Thoughts

There you have it, all you need to know about iOS 12! Remember: Always make sure your phone’s operating system is up to date. To be very honest, it’s best you turn on the automatic update setting on your iPhone or iPad to always be on top of new bugs, new fixes, and new features.