The National Center for Intelligence, through the National Cryptologic Center, has published Apple's security services guide. Released in March last year and collected by ABC, it has over 120 pages aimed at informing and making recommendations to users. The fact is that it is a detailed guide, worth checking out.
Integration of security measures into Apple services
The document is really useful, it's exploring all Apple related iCloud service, Apple ID, or device security. In the last part, CNI made a series of proposals in the form of an explanation. The following are:
- Choose one strong password for Apple ID, which includes numbers and letters. Not appropriate use it again from any other service or tool. The iCloud keychain can help you review them.
- The 2-factor validation must work on Apple ID. We tell you here how to do it.
- If you use iMessage and FaceTime, the email associated with our Apple ID can be encrypted and replaced with a phone number. In this way, we won't share our email and the interactions we make with these methods.
- Run and run the Search app, to manage lost devices, find and remove them remotely when necessary. An important app when trying to find a lost iPhone, Mac or iPad.
- It is advisable to disable the continuity or part of these services, because according to the document it is recommended to disable i Wi-Fi and bluetooth antenna (we understand that to prevent external attacks).
- Disable AirDrop automatically and, if enabled, do not use open mode with the "All" option.
- Use the app Sign in with Apple, introduced with iOS 13. This function allows you to hide your email by registering with third-party app services.
- CCN also recommends disabling location services, including photos (you can do them from your Mac or iPhone after you take them). And enable it for applications that only need you.
- As for Siri, from the center it is shown that we have to activate the assistant on the lock screen. How can you avoid it? unwanted access to specific activities or device information (you can ask "who am I" to show you the owner's name and phone number). Disable Siri suggestions and search for weak applications.
- Do not share iCloud notes, documents, folders, etc. in public mode and "turn off" what we share when we stop using it.
The balance between safety and comfort
Generally, the recommendations are reasonable even though some are overweight. Local services should be done carefully as well only for applications that require you (Recommend or Uber, for example). But the photographic case is important to have a library of not only editing, but also to bring back memories we didn't even know were in the past.
Continuing to bring a lot of help, using or adapting to a need is unhealthy. These services have the advantage that make secure connections and it depends on the proximity of the devices, so the risk is very low.
Disabling the use of Siri on the lock screen also prevents it using Oye Siri, and announcement of messages. At this point you lose one of the most important functions of a helper, depending on other home type devices when you have them.
It is clear that many of the suggested methods add an important layer of security. But others add an obstacle though prevent enjoying activities very useful in causing discomfort. Features of the greatest value are precisely to provide comfort.
