Securing your phone
Your phone holds your email, your banking and the codes that protect both. A few settings make it much harder to misuse.
Keep it updated
Updates for your phone and apps fix security holes that attackers already know about. Turn on automatic updates so you do not have to remember.
Question every permission
A simple game does not need your contacts or your microphone. In your phone's privacy settings, check which apps can use your location, camera, microphone and contacts, and switch off what an app does not need. Where you can, choose location access only while the app is in use.
Install from the official store
Download apps only from your phone's official store, and check the publisher's name and the reviews. Fake copies of popular apps exist. Do not install apps from links in messages.
Protect your phone number
In a SIM swap, a criminal persuades your carrier to move your number to their SIM so that your codes reach them. Ask your carrier to add a PIN to your account, and use an authenticator app instead of text messages for important accounts. If your phone suddenly shows no service for no reason, call your carrier from another phone and check your email and banking.
Lock it and make it findable
Use a screen lock of six digits or more, or a fingerprint or face unlock. Turn on Find My iPhone or Find My Device so you can lock or wipe a lost phone.