In today's world dominated by petty hackers and e-thieves, security is a must. As an Apple iPhone user you are at a great risk. So you need to ensure that you’re checking your e-mail, surfing the Web via Wi-Fi and accessing contents and services in the safest possible ways. You can follow these six tips in a matter of minutes, and save yourself weeks of damage control.

Tip #1 : Enable Auto-Lock






Auto-Lock is turned on by default, but you can change the settings :

 * Tap the main iPhone Settings icon
 * Tap the General tab and then tap Auto-Lock.
 * Select the desired time period by tapping the on-screen value.

Tip #2 : Enable Passcode Lock 


The Auto-Lock feature (Settings >> General >> Auto-Lock) only locks the screen after a preset time of not using the iPhone. But the Passcode Lock makes it more secure, one needs to enter a four-digit code to access the iPhone's home screen.

By default, iPhone doesn't require you to enter a passcode to unlock it. To set a passcode, choose General >> Passcode Lock and enter a 4-digit passcode.

Passcode unlock also has two other options to "Show SMS Preview" and "Erase Data".

* With SMS Preview you will see the name of the sender and the first few words of the text message when you get the text message when iPhone's screen is locked.

* Erase Data feature completely wipes your iPhone after 10 failed passcode attempts. After six failed attempts, the iPhone locks out users for a minute before another passcode can be entered.

Tip #3 : Secure your Wi-Fi 


Everytime you use Wi-Fi on your iPhone, ensure it is secure using Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or any other security protocol.

To ensure that you don’t unknowingly connect to any open (unsecure) Wi-Fi networks while on the go, you should enable the iPhone’s Ask to Join Networks function. This is enabled by default (Settings >> Wi-Fi >> Ask to Join Networks).

Tip #4 : Secure your Mobile Safari

For making your Mobile Safari ultra-secure :

 * Go to Settings and then Safari.
 * Enable basic security features such as Fraud Warning and Block Pop-ups.
 * Go to Accept Cookies and make sure that either From Visited or Never is selected instead of Always.

Tip #5 : SSL Email



If you use iPhone's Mail app to access important email, please ensure that you are accessing your emails via SSL so that the mails that are sent and received are encrypted. It is turned on by default. If you have disabled it, you can enable it by going to Settings >> Mail, Contacts, Calendars >> Select an Account >> Advanced, then scroll down to the Use SSL option and ensure that it is set to On.

Tip #6 : Use a VPN 





Apple includes a virtual private network (VPN) client on the iPhone. Virtual private networks are encrypted tunnels between you and a gateway, but by default, they only encrypt traffic destined for that network.

If you connect to a VPN to check your email, only that email traffic is encrypted unless you tell your iPhone to "Send all traffic" to the remote network. This is also, conveniently, an option in the VPN settings on your iPhone. Follow this guide for setting up VPN on your iPhone

Tip #7 : Change the default password of your Jailbroken iPhone


This security tip is applicable to all those who have jailbroken their iPhones. Please change your iPhone's root password as the default password is "alpine".

Its neccessary to change the password if you connect to an open non-secure Wi-Fi network, it exposes you to a security risk where a hacker could gain access to your iPhone using the default password.

Tip #8: Set device usage restrictions




iPhone users have the ability to set iPhone restrictions such as block explicit content from being shown on the iPhone’s music or video player.

Restrictions options can be located via the main iPhone Settings >> General >> Restrictions >> Tap Enable Restrictions , enter in a four-digit code and then select the specific constraints you want to apply by hitting the On/Off button next to each option.

The iPod Explicit option, blocks the user’s ability to sync any iTunes content that’s branded “explicit” by Apple. If you disable Safari, block YouTube and iTunes, or say no to installing apps or using the camera, the phone user will not be able to access any of these functions until a passcode is re-entered.

Tip #9 : App Store Password



Someone can connect to your iTunes and App Store account and spend money on music and apps without your permission. So, make sure that you manually enter your App Store password.

Tip #10 : Consciousness


The last and the most inportant tip of all, be conscious with your iPhone. As only being conscious can save you and your iPhone from security threats.