Apple iOS Hardening Guide
This guide provides basic instructions to help improve the security and privacy settings on iPhones and iPads running iOS. While iOS devices all have the same interface, Apple’s privacy and security settings are not always immediately obvious, as they are located in various sections of the device’s settings menu. This guide aims to highlight key features and adjustments, but users should explore their settings thoroughly or consult Apple support to ensure comprehensive coverage of available privacy and security options.
SETTINGS > PRIVACY & SECURITY >
• Location Services > Location Alerts > Show Map in Location Alerts = TOGGLE OFF
• Location Services > Location Services = TOGGLE OFF or ON as needed
• Location Services > Verify NO apps set to ALWAYS
• Location Services > Significant Locations = TOGGLE OFF and select Clear History
• Location Services > System Services = TOGGLE OFF iPhone Analytics, Routing & Traffic, and Improve Maps
• Tracking > Allow Apps to Request to Track = TOGGLE OFF
• Contacts > Verify apps you want to access to your Contacts
• Photos > Verify apps you want to access to your Photos
• Microphone > Verify apps you want to access to your Microphone
• Camera > Verify apps you want to access to your Camera
• Journaling Suggestions > Discoverable by Others = TOGGLE OFF
• Analytics & improvements = TOGGLE OFF ALL
• Apple Advertising = TOGGLE OFF
• App Privacy Report = TOGGLE ON
• Stolen Device Protection = TOGGLE ON
• Stolen Device Protection > Require Security Delay = Always.
SETTINGS > FACE ID & PASSCODE >
• Face ID with a Mask = TOGGLE OFF
• Require Attention for Face ID = TOGGLE ON
• Require Passcode Immediately = Immediately
• Access When Locked = TOGGLE OFF ALL
SETTINGS > APPLE ID, iCLOUD, MEDIA & PURCHASES > (YOUR NAME)
• Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication = ON
• Email & Phone Numbers = Verify all entries are trusted
• iCloud > iCloud Backup = ON
• iCloud > Private Relay = ON
• iCloud > Advanced Data Protection = ON
• iCloud > Access iCloud Data on the Web = TOGGLE ON
• Verify devices connected to your Apple ID > REMOVE all unknown or old dvices
Settings > General > AirDrop >
• Select Contacts Only or Receiving Off as desired
• Bringing Devices Together = TOGGLE OFF