5 important iPhone security features you should use.

Over the years, Apple has consistently added a host of robust security features to iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Now, with security threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, making the most of these built-in security tools is absolutely essential.

Below are the most important features you should enable to protect your personal information and devices. If you haven't activated them yet, now might be the time to consider doing so.

1. Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an important layer of protection that ensures only you can access your iCloud account, even if someone else knows your password.

When logging in on a new device or via a web browser, you'll need to verify your identity using a 6-digit code sent to one of the previously logged-in Apple devices.

For example, if you're using an iPhone and want to log into iCloud on your MacBook, after entering your Apple ID username and password, your iPhone will display a verification code.

Simply enter this code on your MacBook to gain access. Alternatively, you can add a trusted phone number to receive the code in case you don't have your device with you or have forgotten your password.

Apple strongly encourages users to enable this feature, to the point that some iOS features won't work if you haven't activated 2FA. This is the first and most effective line of defense for protecting your accounts and personal data.

You can check or manage this feature by going to:SettingnewsYour account namenewsLogin & Security.

Furthermore, a physical security key is another upgrade to two-factor authentication. With a device like YubiKey, you can verify your identity using hardware via USB-C or NFC. This virtually eliminates the risk of unauthorized access, even if someone has access to your trusted device.

However, since this is a physical key, you need to keep it safe; if you lose it, you could be locked out of your own account. You can set up a security key in the Two-Factor Authentication section of the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Protection features in case the device is stolen.

Stolen Device Protection is a new feature Apple has added to combat sophisticated criminal tactics, especially when criminals secretly monitor users entering passcodes before stealing iPhones.

When this feature is enabled, a regular passcode will not be sufficient to access sensitive information such as passwords, credit card data, or Apple ID accounts.

Instead, the device will require biometric authentication, either Face ID or Touch ID. This means that even if a thief gets their hands on the iPhone and the passcode, they still won't be able to access your personal data.

Furthermore, Apple has added a smart security delay, meaning that sensitive actions like changing your Apple ID password will require biometric authentication twice and a minimum of one hour to complete. This gives users more time to detect and address device theft.

This feature also prevents thieves from performing a range of actions such as accessing passwords, making purchases through the App Store, disabling Lost Mode, registering an Apple Card, using the iPhone to set up a new device, accessing Apple Cash or credit cards. Additionally, there will be a delay when making important changes such as signing out of your Apple account, resetting the device, or disabling this protection feature.

By default, the device theft protection feature only activates when you're away from familiar locations like your home or work. However, for even greater security, you can choose to enable this feature at all times with a simple toggle switch.

You can activate it by going to:SettingnewsFace ID & PasscodenewsProtecting against stolen equipment..

3. Secure forwarding feature

Private Relay is not just a security feature; it's also a privacy shield that you should enable, especially if you frequently access public networks.

This feature hides your IP address and protects your browsing activity on Safari, preventing websites, internet service providers, or anyone else from tracking you. Even when you're using an insecure Wi-Fi network, secure forwarding keeps your data encrypted and safe.

To enable secure forwarding, go toSettingnewsClick on the profile picturenewsRCAnewsSecure forwardingand activate the feature.

4. Enhanced data protection

By default, some data stored in iCloud backups and uploaded to iCloud is not end-to-end encrypted, meaning Apple could provide backup data to law enforcement agencies upon request.

However, with Advanced Data Protection, Apple has taken your security to a whole new level.

The Advanced Data Protection feature encrypts your iCloud data using end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only your devices signed in to your Apple Account can decrypt and access your data. This is the strongest security option Apple offers for your cloud data.

This feature protects a wide range of important data, including device backups, messages, iCloud Drive files, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Safari bookmarks, Siri shortcuts, voice recordings, and Wallet Cards. This data will be securely protected and inaccessible via summons.

While Enhanced Data Protection is a great step toward ensuring privacy, you should remember that this means Apple also cannot recover your data if you forget your password.

To avoid this risk, Apple requires you to store your recovery key or set up a recovery contact, which helps you regain access to your account if something goes wrong.

To enable Advanced Data Protection, simply go toSettingnewsYour namenewsRCAThen scroll down to the Advanced Data Protection section. You can also activate it through the section.Privacy & Securityin the applicationSetting.

5. Lock mode

Lockdown Mode is an extremely stringent security option that most people don't want to use, but in some situations, you should know how to enable it to protect your data.

Apple designed this feature specifically for those at high risk of becoming targets of sophisticated cyberattacks, such as journalists, activists, and government employees who could be spied on or attacked by spyware or hacking groups.

When Lock Mode is enabled, your iPhone disables many important features, such as blocking attachments in Messages, web technologies like JIT (Just-in-Time) JavaScript compilation, FaceTime calls from unknown numbers, shared albums in the Photos app, Apple service invitations from strangers, physical device connections, and configuration profiles.

Essentially, this mode minimizes the risk of attacks by restricting certain iPhone functions. Therefore, it's not a feature you should turn on every day unless absolutely necessary.

To enable Lock Mode, simply open it.Setting, go toPrivacy and Security, then select the optionLock mode.