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Your phone contains your entire digital life. Mobile attacks increased 67% in 2024. These settings protect your device from theft, malware, and surveillance.
67%
Mobile attack increase in 2024
13M+
Malicious apps blocked
29
Daily attack attempts per home
50%+
IoT devices with vulnerabilities
Strong Passcode
CriticalSettings > Face ID & Passcode
Use 6+ digit PIN or alphanumeric password, disable Simple Passcode
Advanced Data Protection
CriticalSettings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection
Enable to encrypt iCloud data so even Apple can't read it
Find My iPhone
CriticalSettings > [Your Name] > Find My
Enable Find My iPhone, Find My network, and Send Last Location
Auto-Lock
HighSettings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock
Set to 30 seconds or 1 minute maximum
Lock Screen Access
HighSettings > Face ID & Passcode
Disable Control Center, Siri, and Reply with Message when locked
App Privacy Report
MediumSettings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report
Enable to see which apps access your data and how often
Lockdown Mode
SituationalSettings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode
Enable if you're a high-risk target (journalists, activists)
Screen Lock
CriticalSettings > Security > Screen Lock
Use PIN (6+ digits) or password. Avoid patterns.
Encryption
CriticalSettings > Security > Encryption
Verify device encryption is enabled (on by default for modern Android)
Find My Device
CriticalSettings > Security > Find My Device
Enable Find My Device and Remote Lock
Google Play Protect
HighPlay Store > Profile > Play Protect
Ensure scanning is enabled for installed apps
App Permissions
HighSettings > Privacy > Permission Manager
Review and revoke unnecessary permissions (location, camera, mic)
Lockdown Mode
HighSettings > Security > Lockdown
Enable to add Lockdown option to power menu (disables biometrics)
Install Unknown Apps
HighSettings > Security > Install Unknown Apps
Disable for all apps unless specifically needed
Theft Protection
MediumSettings > Security > Theft Protection
Enable theft detection lock that triggers on grab-and-run
Don't reuse passwords. Use Bitwarden, 1Password, or Apple/Google built-in managers.
Use authenticator apps (not SMS) for all important accounts.
Don't access banking on public WiFi. Use cellular or a VPN.
Apps don't need constant location, camera, or microphone access.
Signal or iMessage for sensitive conversations. Not SMS.
Set apps to 'While Using' instead of 'Always' for location.
13M+ malicious apps detected by Google Play Protect in 2024
Protection: Only install from official stores, check reviews and permissions
Mobile attacks increased 67% in 2024
Protection: Never click links in unexpected texts, verify with sender directly
Account takeover by stealing your phone number
Protection: Set up carrier PIN, use authenticator apps instead of SMS 2FA
Commercial spyware installed by abusers
Protection: Check for unknown apps, review device admin settings
Both iPhone and Android have emergency lockdown modes that disable biometrics and require your PIN. Know how to trigger them before you need them.
iPhone
Hold Side + Volume for 2 seconds, or press Side 5 times
Android
Hold Power, tap Lockdown (must be enabled in settings)
Your phone connects to your network and other devices. Make sure they're all secured.