Introduction:
This article covers the iPhone security features implemented by Apple developers. It also caters the weaknesses and vulnerabilities associated with iPhone. iPhone contains iOS which is a mobile operating system developed by Apple. iOS was previously called iPhone OS and it is implemented in iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad etc. iOS was derived from MAC OS X which is based on Darwin UNIX operating system. The iOS shares a lot of common technologies with MAC.
Security Features:
The iPhone is designed with special emphasis on the security. The hardware is designed to be data encrypted. The iPhone security feature allows you to set a passcode on your phone. You are required to give the passcode each time you need access to the homepage.
iPhone erases all your data if the passcode is entered 10 times incorrectly. Similarly, a passcode can be set on various applications e.g. Safari, YouTube etc. to ensure enhanced security. iPhone security contains a special feature known as Find My iPhone. This feature shows Phone location on the map. Remote wipe is another strong feature included in iPhone security. This feature allows you to erase all your data through a web server. On finding your Phone again, you can resync that data from the webserver.
Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities:
The most common weakness associated with iPhone security is iOS Jailbreaking. In Jailbreaking, hardware/ software is exploited to remove the limitations imposed by Apple. It widens the feature set limitations enforced by Apple and also let the software officially unlock carrier locked iPhones. Through Jailbreaking, operating system, applications and data can be accessed which were originally hidden between multiple layers of security. There are also some vulnerabilities associated with IPhone security.
- There is no default data protection method in the phone. Data protection can only be done through a passcode and without a passcode, data protection is useless.
- Applications are developed in objective C which makes them vulnerable to buffer overflows and memory corruption.
- Success of new applications is determined by the speed of released and enhanced features – Security is overlooked in this context.
- Temporary or cached data is often overlooked
- It has been observed that most applications are not developed securely
Pros:
ü Encrypted Backups
ü Remote Wipe
ü Date protection – Locked Device
ü Location Tracker
Cons:
ü Jailbreaking
ü Unsecure Development
ü Buffer and Stack Overflows
ü Memory Corruption
Recommendation:
iPhone is developed with exceptional importance on iPhone Security. However, it has been observed that an iPhone user’s security is at a risk, even if the user is checking email, surfing the web and accessing content via the safest possible ways. The risk can be of a hacked email account or online stolen identity. Valuable personal information can also be lost that may result in financial losses. An iPhone user is strongly recommended to follow security measures in order to enhance their iPhone security. Some of the security measures, that can help users in maintaining iPhone security, are mentioned below:
- Passcode Lock
Enable Passcode Lock on Phone and various applications to ensure Security. Passcode Lock can also be enabled on application installation.
- Wi-Fi Security
Before using the Wi-Fi, it should be protected with a wireless security protocol. Wi-Fi should be disabled when not in use. It should be ensured that Wi-Fi doesn’t connect with unknown or unsecure networks using iPhone security Ask-to-Join feature.
- Secure Web Browsing
The iPhone Safari Browser is secure to use and most of the security features are turned on by default.
- Auto Lock
Phone will be automatically locked if not used for a specific time.
