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Tips For Protecting Your Data On iCloud

Some of the most well-known security breaches have involved celebrities having pictures and other sensitive data being stolen from their Apple devices. This led many people to question the security of iCloud.

Whilst you may not be an A-lister, this does not mean that you are immune from a potential attack and the devastation that comes with it.

iCloud security and mobile security is a major cause of concern for corporations, since many businesses deploy iPhones or operate a BYOD (bring your own device) policy for their employees. These devices can hold sensitive business information, contact details, emails, book-keeping and accounts details and such like. If they were to fall into the wrong hands there could be serious repercussions both financially and in terms of reputation for the organisations involved.

Individuals also frequently store personal and financial details such as bank account or stocks, shares and investment information. Again information that they wouldn’t want to fall into the wrong hands.

Fortunately, there are some simple technology solutions that everyone can use to protect their data whether you are just starting up your own business, are responsible for a business blog or whether you are a well-established company.

 

So here are some top tips for protecting your data on iCloud

It is advisable to take control of what is backed up to iCloud. When setting up your iPhone it is likely that you would have opted to sign up with iCloud, especially as there was a promise of 5GB extra storage. Nevertheless, you don’t actually need to store everything on iCloud.

Instead, you can head to settings and then tap on iCloud and you will see a list of apps that back up data using iCloud. You can toggle off apps that you don’t want to use iCloud for. Thus, apps like Mail and Photos may contain sensitive info, and therefore it is likely that you will want to consider turning iCloud off for those.

Another tip is to turn on two-factor authentication. This is a process that is advised for all devices, not just those made by Apple. It means that you will need to go through two steps to verify who you are. In regards to Apple devices you will need to enter a four-digit password. Once you have done this you will then be sent a verification code to your phone, which you will need to input.

To turn two-factor authentication on when using an iPhone or iPad you simply need to go to My Apple ID – which can be accessed via the Apple website – and then click on manage your Apple ID. Once you have signed in click on Select Password and Security. You will see a section for two-step verification. All you need to do is click on ‘Get Started’ and then you will be able to follow the steps that appear on your screen.

If you are in any doubt about your abilities to protect your business data then consider some training or coaching in the current best practices.

It is worth resetting your password. There are an unbelievable number of people all over the world who do not have effective passwords in place. Did you know that the following are the five most common passwords used around the world…?

  • 123456
  • Password
  • 12345678
  • Qwerty
  • Abc123

Other popular passwords include ‘iloveyou’, ‘letmein’, ‘111111’, ‘monkey’, ‘princess’ and ‘sunshine’. So, how do you create a good password? You should use a variety of lower case letters, upper case letters, numbers and special characters. You should make the password as long as possible and try not to use the same password twice. You should also avoid using complete words, try and make them a random mix. Finally, make sure your security questions aren’t easy to guess. You’d actually be better off answering them incorrectly!

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