1. Siri Vulnerabilities
Several flaws in Siri can expose sensitive user data. Attackers could potentially use Siri to access recent photos, control nearby devices, or even extract data without authentication(SecurityWeek).
To mitigate this:
- Disable Siri access from the lock screen under Settings > Face ID & Passcode. This will prevent unauthorized access if the phone is stolen or left unattended.
2. Insecure Wi-Fi and VPN Bugs
A known flaw in iOS 18 can leak traffic outside of a VPN tunnel, exposing sensitive data to network sniffing attacks. Additionally, hackers can set up rogue Wi-Fi networks to intercept data(SecurityWeek)(Certo Software |).
To protect against this:
- Always use a reliable VPN with strong encryption.
- Avoid connecting to unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks. Enable Ask to Join Networks to avoid automatic connections.
- Disable Wi-Fi Assist to prevent your device from switching to insecure mobile data when Wi-Fi is weak.
3. App and Contact Sharing Permissions
New features like Selective Contact Sharing and Locked Apps allow more control over which apps have access to personal data(Certo Software |)(Malwarebytes).
However, improper configuration could lead to oversharing. To secure your device:
- Regularly review which apps have access to sensitive data under Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Use the App Lock feature to protect apps with Face ID or Touch ID, especially those containing personal or work-related data.
4. Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing attacks remain a prevalent threat on iOS devices, especially with smishing (SMS phishing) on the rise(Bitdefender).
To mitigate these risks:
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails or SMS asking for personal information.
- Disable Link Previews in messaging apps to prevent automatic loading of potentially malicious websites.
- Use iOS’s built-in password manager to store strong, unique passwords for each account, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
5. Activation Lock Issues
Apple’s Activation Lock feature aims to prevent unauthorized repairs, but it can also complicate legitimate third-party repairs by locking components to specific devices(Malwarebytes).
There is little a user can do directly here but be cautious when choosing repair services.
Steps to Make iOS 18 Safer:
- Disable background app refresh to reduce data exposure and save battery (Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
- Turn off personalized ads by navigating to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising.
- Regularly check Privacy Reports under Settings to see what apps are accessing data like location, photos, or the microphone.
By adjusting these settings, users can significantly enhance the security and privacy of their devices on iOS 18. Staying vigilant with updates and reviewing privacy settings periodically is crucial for maintaining a secure device(Geeky Gadgets)(Bitdefender)(SecurityWeek).
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on various credible sources and security insights. Data regarding iOS 18 vulnerabilities, privacy settings, and best practices was referenced from Geeky Gadgets, Bitdefender, Certo Software, Malwarebytes, and SecurityWeek. For a more detailed analysis of iOS 18 security concerns, you can consult the original articles at their respective sites: Geeky Gadgets, Bitdefender, Certo Software, Malwarebytes, and SecurityWeek.