Another day, another security breach; only this time, it was Apple, and it was massive. When Google’s Project Zero recently published its discovery (from early 2019, no less) of zero-day vulnerabilities and massive security lapses in iOS, virtually every tech blog and publication out there ran the story. Well, kind of – let’s face it, most of them tread lightly when it comes to Apple given its clout in tech world.
Who didn’t seem to have much to say, was Apple. Until Tim Cook finally stepped up to issue an angry statement to the effect of „it wasn’t such a big breach after all“. Just China doing what it does in terms of oppressive state surveillance, and since it’s Apple’s key market, this whole thing surely shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.
Unless, of course, you value your privacy, belong to an ethnic minority, disagree with China’s state propaganda, or use anything running iOS which may contain sensitive data like banking details. No kidding Mr Cook, now let me check my Android options right after I try to secure my iPhone as best I can.
So what can you do?
- First, be wary of the obvious gateways and risky components. I long ago deleted the Facebook App & its messenger from my phone. WeChat is still there, but anything on there gets limited to inane conversations.
- Second, limit apps that have access to contacts, photos, your phone number etc. Toggle the settings if need be (yes, it’s a pain) on a per use basis.
- Third, and perhaps most importantly, lock down and encrypt things separately on your phone. To access Signal on my phone, I need to unlock it AFTER I’ve already unlocked my iPhone. The same goes for documents, password managers (don’t use Apple’s keychain for heaven’s sake) and the like.
Sound like a pain in the arse? Like, why bother with a smartphone if it’s going to be such an inconvenience? Simple: I use it judiciously, and it serves me well as a mobile power tool, and just that; it’s a tool, not an extension of myself. Read a book or look at your surroundings instead of at your phone when you’re out and about; or, god forbid, talk to someone!
Beyond that, however, I see an Android future looming for me, with a rooted device, firewalled to the gills, and stripped of Google revenue bloat (think ads and data). I shall be the captain of my destiny a bit more than in Apple’s walled garden where I have no control over the wall. At least then when someone gets in, I’ll have no one to blame but myself.