iPhone Security Tip 5: Browse the Web via Safari
Just like surfing the Web via laptop or desktop computers, navigating the Internet via iPhone is rife with security risks. Proactively optimizing your iPhone browser security settings could potentially mean the difference between a fully-functioning device and an infected gadget rendered useless by malware.
The iPhone Safari browser security settings are basic--and most are turned on by default--but it doesn't hurt to ensure that your iPhone Safari security settings are in order.
First off, you'll want to ensure that pop-ups are blocked. Clicking on a malicious pop-up could expose your device to malware and lead to an infection. As mentioned above, pop-ups are blocked by default, but you can check and modify your settings by first clicking the main iPhone Settings icon and then scrolling down and tapping Safari. On the Safari settings screen, ensure that the Block Pop-ups button is switched to On.
You'll also want to check on your Safari cookies settings. Cookies are pieces of text that are distributed back and forth between Web servers and Internet clients, typically browsers, and they're used mainly for authenticating users. However, cookies can be a security/privacy risk, as information about users' devices, operating systems, browsers and, in some cases, browsing habits can be stored within cookies and could, therefore, be accessed by third-parties.
The iPhone Safari Accept Cookies function is set to From Visited by default--meaning the browser will accept cookies from sites that you navigate to--but the most security conscious iPhone owners may want to disable cookies completely. Cookies can be disabled by in the Safari settings menu by tapping the Accept Cookies tab and then selecting Never.
iPhone users can also clear their current crop of cookies by clicking the Clear Cookies button at the bottom of the Safari settings menu and then selecting Clear Cookies again on the following screen.
iPhone Security Tip 6: Set Device Usage Restrictions
Though the iPhone has made some significant gains in recent days toward become a suitable business smartphone, its target user is still the consumer. And consumers come in all shapes, sizes...and ages.
IT administrators and parents with little iPhone users have the ability to set iPhone restrictions to, say, block explicit content from being shown on the iPhone's music or video player. And they can block access to YouTube and stop third-party applications from being installed.
Restrictions options can be located via the main iPhone Settings menu, within the General tab. Once you've clicked on Restrictions on that tab, you'll see a set of potential options beneath the words Enable Restrictions . Tap Enable Restrictions , enter in a four-digit code and then select the specific constraints you wish to impose by hitting the On/Off button next to each option.
Selecting 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 gadget's camera, the phone user will not be able to access any of these functions until a passcode is reentered and the restrictions lifted.
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