iOS Security: 7 Reasons Why the iPhone Is Safe | Free Antivirus

Apple is a software and hardware manufacturer rolled into one. This demonstrably contributes to the security of the devices, because the software is optimally matched to the hardware, and security gaps can be fixed quickly. In contrast to Android, the open and open-source program code from Google, Apple brings the latest operating system updates (iOS) into circulation very quickly. Even devices of earlier (usually 3-4) generations are backward compatible and run under the latest operating system, the software updates of which must be authorized by Apple.

 

These factors alone ensure that iPhones are considered particularly secure smartphones and are very popular in both private and business everyday life. According to Statista, the Apple iPhone was the third most popular smartphone in Austria in 2019. Even the much cheaper iPhone SE, which came onto the market in April 2020 rather quietly, fulfills all the security functions that iPhone users expect.

 

We took a closer look at iOS security:

1.   Unique and Unchangeable Chip ID

Due to the unique and unchangeable Unique Device ID (UDID) of the device, only apps that are approved for general distribution by Apple can be installed. This device number is retained for the entire lifespan of the iPhone.

 

Developers and beta testers can, however, activate their device themselves using the ID for installing apps in the development stage. This also applies to in-house apps that are not available via the app store.

 

2. Two-Factor Authentication

Every iPhone is linked to a personal Apple ID. With this, the user logs in to all services such as the Apple Store, Apple Music, iCloud, or FaceTime. Since it includes sensitive data such as passwords, contact details, payment information, and security data, the ID must be particularly well protected.

 

So that third parties cannot access your own Apple ID account under any circumstances, two-factor authentication can be set up as an additional layer of security on the iPhone. Each time you log on to a new device for the first time, your own password and the confirmation code, which is displayed on a trustworthy device, are mandatory.

3. Touch ID, Face ID, and Security Code

The fingerprint scanner, which has been on the market since the iPhone 5S, can be used to unlock the iPhone, authenticate app purchases, or manage sensitive applications such as banking apps. The fingerprint data is stored in the so-called "Secure Enclave" so that other apps cannot read this data.

In addition to Touch ID, Face ID also ensures a high level of security on the iPhone. The geometry of the face is precisely measured and recognized from different perspectives thanks to neural networks. The iPhone face recognition even recognizes changes in appearance automatically, making fraud almost impossible. Here, too, the biometric data of the Face ID are protected.

 

As an additional security standard, the iOS operating system makes a secure code absolutely necessary. This can partially be used instead of Touch ID and Face ID. In other cases, however, such as after a restart or a failed face or fingerprint recognition, the iPhone can only be operated with the security code.

 

4. Basic System Security

Apple guarantees high-security standards both during the startup process and during software updates on the iPhone. With the so-called "Chain of Trust", the iOS operating system evaluates whether the cryptographic components or the updated software code actually carry Apple's signature when the device is started. Thanks to these components, such as bootloader or baseband firmware, the lower software level can not be manipulated without permission. In this way, the ARM Core Bootloader ensures that the iPhone works safely and smoothly with the operating system. The so-called baseband bootloader ensures that the iPhone only works with SIM cards from regular Apple partners.

 

Further security gaps are avoided by wireless software updates and device-specific authorization. This means that iOS versions cannot be copied from one Apple device to another.

 

5. Secure Interface for Mobile Device Management (MDM)

iOS offers an interface (MDM framework) for mobile device management solutions. With an MDM system, companies can centrally control which apps their employees are allowed to install and which are not (for example through black- or whitelisting). Device features can also be deactivated using an MDM solution. In this way, you can prevent the camera function while you are on the company premises so that no unauthorized photos can be taken of production steps. If the employee leaves the premises, he can use the camera again. Mobile device management is also suitable for rolling out apps. They are installed wirelessly on all company devices without the user having to worry about them.

 

The separation of professional and private data can also be implemented using an MDM solution. For example, no sensitive company documents get into private e-mail accounts or online storage (e.g. Dropbox). You can define apps that can only be used for private or professional use.

 

6. Highest App Security

The best security measure when it comes to apps is in the Apple App Store itself. Only applications with an Apple certificate can be downloaded and installed on iOS devices. The store itself ensures high-security standards because it filters out risky apps. They cannot be downloaded at all. Not only does every app go through a verification process, but every developer must also obtain a certificate from Apple to be allowed to offer their application in the app store.

 

Another security mechanism within the iOS operating system is " sandboxing ". Apps run in a virtual separate area of ​​the memory with limited access to all other data that are on the same device.

 

7. Data Security Thanks to Internal Encryption

All data on an iPhone is generally encrypted on the device. A dedicated hardware processor and strong encryption codes ensure maximum data security. The decryption only takes place during the transfer between memory and CPU (processor). If you were to expand the memory, you would not be able to read out the data. The key is unique for each device.

 

Conclusion: iOS Security

The close interlinking of software and hardware brings numerous security advantages to iPhones and all other Apple devices. Thanks to Touch-ID, Face-ID and two-factor authentication, the devices themselves meet high-security standards at the hardware level. In connection with far-reaching security features in the software, very secure and high-performance iPhones, iPads & Co. are created. The highest data security, strong encryption codes, ID protection, and integrated app security in the iOS operating system make the iPhone one of the most popular smartphones in the consumer market.

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