How to Protect iPhone Data via iOS Settings?

Interaction and shopping via mobile handsets has become an essential element in everybody's life. The increasing trend of smart phones made our life very easier and little clumsy as well in terms of security. There are many factors which needs to be managed in smart phones in order to get the important information (like photos and authorized password files) private and hidden. If we talk about iPhones then undoubtedly it is costly as compare to other smart phones, but it is not untouched with the nefarious intentions of bad apps.

All apps are not bad but unnecessary access given to the share data may breach security. Be careful when it comes to share contacts, location services, microphone usage and bluetooth service. Lets take a look to manage iOS Settings in order to keep data secret and individualistic. Keep managing these settings by turning on/off on monthly basis and prevent suspicious apps from sending personal data to a remote server.

Why to Manage Privacy Settings in iPhone?

Until unless if we don't allow anyone to peep into personal database then all sorts of secret data will not be revealed.

Sometimes, when any app gets downloaded then it asks for accessing the private information and we allow it unknowingly. Though it is correct to allow but giving allowance to unauthenticated app developers can make a severe issue.

Sometimes, while shopping parents hand over their phone to kids for playing games or listening music. Trying to download free games by younger kids and just one wrong click may get a receipt of 'App purchase' which is unintentionally done by the kid.

iPhone Privacy Settings

To manage this case, you need to enable 'restrictions'. Launch Settings> General> “enable restriction”. Then 'turn on' restrictions for “Installing Apps” and “In-App Purchases”.

On the other hand, a second iTunes account can be created without any credit card information. Children can use this newly created account to download free games and apps. Paid apps can be purchased by the parent and sent as a memorable gift directly from the App Store to their kids.

All these cases force us to manage iOS Privacy settings to get rid from these worst situations.

How to Manage Privacy Controls?

There are many standard 'Privacy Controls' which are used by many applications and need to be organized.

Location Services are fetched by most of the apps for geo tagging, WiFi, GPS and cellular data efficiency

Contacts (information stored in iOS and iCloud)

Microphone (voice capture)

Calendars (like any calender stored locally or Google Calendar)

Reminders (reminders saved in Reminders App)

Bluetooth (share any data like music or game over bluetooth)

Photos (stored photos or synced via iCloud with device)

Privacy Controls

There are standard 'Social Media Controls’, which needs to be managed by flipping Off/On as per the need. iOS is generally attached with twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin, Hi5 etc. social media applications and these applications request access to certain services (location-dependent), then they'll show up in the social network section of Settings | Privacy.

Depending upon the country location, these settings can be turn off/on. Suppose you are in Chine and using Weibo then location services can be shared with apps and the rest can be restricted.

While downloading any free game or music, if you are tired of getting free ads then flipping off the option shown in figure can give a relief from unwanted advertising.

iPhone Privacy Setting

In a nutshell, I must recommend using an iPhone with a limited access given to downloaded apps. Use 'Apple Configurator' to secure your iPhone against unauthorized pairing. Although, it depends upon everyone needs to use apps with the full accessibility but connect your device after managing the settings properly.