One of the benefits of online file sharing and cloud storage services is the ability to share documents and files with friends, family, or colleagues easily. But with it being so easy, how do you protect your files when they are shared? 

Below are ways to password-protect your files or folders on the top cloud and file-sharing platforms, including Microsoft Word, OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox.

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Friends sharing files on their computers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to password-protect a document in Microsoft Word

You can password-protect individual Word documents using the steps below.

• Open your document by clicking your file on your computer
• Go to and click File 

Password protect on Microsoft Word (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Password protect on Microsoft Word (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Password protect on Microsoft Word (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Encrypt with Password
• Input a password
• Input the same password to confirm
• Click OK
• Save the file

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How to password-protect a Google Drive folder

Unlike other file-sharing and cloud storage services, Google Drive doesn’t have password-protected file sharing. Instead, you can use different settings to restrict access to each Google Drive folder using the steps below:

• Go to the Google Drive home screen on your desktop
• Find the folder or file you want to protect, and right-click that folder or file 

How to protect Google Drive file or folder (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to protect Google Drive file or folder (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Select Share in the subfolder

How to protect Google Drive file or folder (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Add the email address of the person you’d like to share the folder or file
• In the drop-menu next to where you enter the email address, select the access level you’d like to grant: Viewer, Commenter or Editor

How to protect Google Drive file or folder (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• You can either share a link to the folder by clicking the hyperlink icon or write a message and send an invitation to the addressee’s email by clicking Send.

How to protect Google Drive file or folder (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to password-protect a shared folder on Dropbox

Unfortunately, you must upgrade from their free service to Dropbox Essentials to have access to link settings such as password protection. You can

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• Log in to your Dropbox account
• Right-click on the file you want to share
• Select Copy Link
• Under the link, click Manage

How to password protect a shared folder on Dropbox (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Link settings
• In the drop-down menu, select Only People Invited

How to password protect a shared folder on Dropbox (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to password protect a shared folder on Dropbox (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Copy link to share or enter the email address you want to share the file with and select Share file

How to password protect a shared folder on Dropbox (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to password-protect a folder in OneDrive

Unlike the other file-sharing and cloud storage services, OneDrive doesn’t have password-protected file sharing. Instead, you can use different settings to restrict access to each OneDrive folder using the steps below.

BEST WAYS TO SEND LARGE FILES ON ANY DEVICE

• Log into your OneDrive account
• Right-click on the file you want to share
• Select Share

How to password protect a folder in OneDrive (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• In the pop-up window, click the gear shift icon
• Select People you choose
• Under More Settings, select the level of access in the drop-down
• Click Apply

How to password protect a folder in OneDrive (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Type in the email address of the person you want to give access and click Copy link or select Send

How to password protect a folder in OneDrive (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Implement zero-knowledge encryption

One of the most robust security measures for cloud storage is implementing zero-knowledge encryption. This approach ensures that your data is encrypted before it leaves your device, and only you possess the encryption keys. Even the cloud storage provider cannot access or decrypt your files, providing an additional layer of protection against potential data breaches or unauthorized access.

Zero-knowledge encryption achieves true end-to-end encryption, where your files remain encrypted during transfer, storage, and retrieval. This eliminates the risk of your sensitive data being exposed, even if the cloud provider’s systems are compromised.

To implement zero-knowledge encryption, you can use third-party encryption tools or services that integrate with your cloud storage provider. These tools encrypt your files locally before uploading them to the cloud, ensuring that your data remains private and secure.

By incorporating zero-knowledge encryption into your cloud storage strategy, you can significantly enhance the security and privacy of your personal data, providing an additional layer of protection against potential threats and unauthorized access. 

Have strong antivirus software

Securing your cloud storage starts with protecting the devices you use to access it. Malware infections on your computer, smartphone, or tablet can potentially compromise your login credentials and expose your cloud data.

It’s crucial to use a reputable and up-to-date antivirus solution on all your devices. Make sure to keep your antivirus software and operating systems updated with the latest security patches to mitigate emerging threats.

Additionally, be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links, even from trusted sources, as they may contain malicious code that can infect your device and jeopardize your cloud storage security.

The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Enable two-factor authentication

Most cloud storage providers offer an additional security feature called two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app, in addition to your password when logging in.

Enabling 2FA ensures that even if your password is compromised, unauthorized parties cannot access your cloud storage without the second factor. This significantly reduces the risk of account takeovers and unauthorized access to your files.

To set up 2FA, follow the instructions provided by your cloud storage provider in their security settings. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the security of your cloud storage accounts.

Limit sensitive data in the cloud

While cloud storage offers convenience and accessibility, it’s advisable to be selective about the type of data you store in the cloud. Avoid storing critical personal or financial information, legal documents, or proprietary business data in cloud storage services.

Instead, keep such sensitive files on secure local or offline storage solutions, such as encrypted external hard drives or secure network-attached storage devices. This minimizes the risk of exposing your most sensitive data in the event of a cloud storage breach or unauthorized access.

By following these additional security measures alongside the password protection methods and zero-knowledge encryption techniques outlined earlier, you can significantly enhance the overall security and privacy of your data in cloud storage services.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Sharing files and folders on Cloud and File Sharing services can make life a lot easier as you can share with others on the go. But keeping these files safe is also important since they are so accessible. While not all files can be password protected on every platform, each platform has ways to protect your files and folders by restricting access.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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You know that feeling when you reach into your pocket and realize something’s missing? That mini-panic attack moment? Well, say goodbye to those days, thanks to the Apple AirTag – the single smallest device that’s made keeping track of your stuff easier than ever before.

It’s funny, really. The AirTag is one of those things that doesn’t seem like a big deal until you have one. Then suddenly it’s like, how did I ever live without this? 

And I’m not the only one who thinks so. I get a ton of questions about this personal stuff-tracking invention, especially when someone gets their hands on one or when the battery gives out after about a year, which, by the way, is a pretty good inning for such a tiny gadget. So, let’s dive into the setup, shall we?

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Apple AirTag in Find My app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Setting up your AirTag

• First things first, grab your iPhone and head to the home screen.
• Got a new AirTag? Remove the battery tab (if it’s there) and hold it near your iPhone.
• A little Connect prompt will pop up on your screen; go ahead and tap that.

Steps to set up your AirTag (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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• Now you can name your AirTag. You can pick from the list or come up with a custom name.  

Steps to set up your AirTag (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Tap Continue
• Register the AirTag or third-party item to your Apple ID
• Click Finish

Steps to set up your AirTag (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to locate an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone

You can use the Find My app to locate a missing AirTag or third-party item that you’ve registered to your Apple ID. If you have an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro model, you can also find their exact location.

• Go to the Find My app on your iPhone and tap it
• Go to Items in the bottom right of the screen

Steps to locate an AirTag in Find My on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Then tap the item you want to locate
• If the item can be located: It appears on the map so you can see where it is. The location and timestamp appear below the item’s name. The item’s location is updated when it connects to the Find My network.
• If the item can’t be located: You see where and when it was last located. Below Notifications, turn on Notify When Found. You receive a notification once it’s located again. 

Steps to locate an AirTag in Find My on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Be sure to allow notifications for the Find My app. See Change notification settings on iPhone.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE & IPAD FROM MALWARE

Play a sound

If the item is nearby, you can play a sound on it to help you find it.

Note: If you can’t play a sound on an item, you won’t see the Play Sound button.

• Tap Items at the bottom of the screen
• Then tap the item you want to play a sound on
• Tap Play Sound
• To stop playing the sound before it ends automatically, tap Stop Sound

Get directions to an item

You can get directions to an item’s current or last known location in the Maps app.

• Tap Items at the bottom of the screen
• Then tap the item you want to get directions to
• Tap Directions to open Maps

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Find the precise location of an AirTag

If you have a supported iPhone and are near your AirTag, you can find the precise location of the AirTag.

• Tap Items at the bottom of the screen, then tap the nearby AirTag
• Tap Find
• Do any of the following:

1. Start moving around to locate the AirTag and follow the onscreen instructions. You may see an arrow pointing in the direction of the AirTag, an approximate distance telling you how far away it is, and a note if it’s located on a different floor.
2. Tap the speaker icon to play a sound on the AirTag

• When you locate the AirTag, tap the X 

Steps to find the precise location of an AirTag (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOP IPHONE CASES OF 2024

Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone

If you want to share an item that’s paired with an AirTag (or a third-party item that works with Find My), you can share it in Find My so that the borrower can see it on a map and find it. If it’s nearby, Find My can play a sound, and if you’re using a supported iPhone, you can find its precise location. People you’re sharing items with don’t receive tracking notifications when the items are moving with them.

You can share an AirTag or other item with up to five borrowers in addition to yourself, for a total of six users per item, as long as the following requirements are met:

• Two-factor authentication must be turned on for your Apple ID.
• The person you share with must have an Apple ID and be signed in to iCloud with their Apple ID. You can’t share with a child account.
• The owner and borrowers must have iCloud Keychain turned on.

Share an AirTag

• Open the Find My app on your iPhone
• Then tap Items
• Tap the name of the AirTag or item you want to share
• Then tap Add Person below Share This AirTag (or Share This Item)
• Enter the Apple ID of the person you want to add. To add more people, tap the plus sign with a circle around it
• Tap the name of the person you want to share with
• Then tap their Apple ID
• Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each person you want to add.
• When you’re finished adding borrowers, tap Share in the top-right corner. A list of everyone you invited appears on the item’s main screen, along with the status of their invitations.

When a recipient agrees to an invitation, the corresponding AirTag will be displayed under “Items” in the “Find My” app. They will also receive a notification about the item share. Conversely, if the invitation is declined, the recipient’s name will be deleted from the list, and the item will no longer be visible to you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Apple AirTag may be small, but it’s mighty. It’s changed the game for forgetful folks everywhere, and with each update, it just gets better. So, whether you’re tracking your keys, your bag, or even your pet that likes to wander off, the AirTag has got your back.

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How has the introduction of personal tracking devices like the Apple AirTag impacted your daily life and sense of security? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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• When Michael Bommer found out he was terminally ill with colon cancer, he teamed up with Robert LoCascio, CEO of the AI-powered legacy platform Eternos, to create an interactive artificial intelligence version of himself.
• Eternos joins other grief-related AI companies such as StoryFile and HereAfter AI in an attempt to aid people through the mourning process, but the effects of such technologies on the users are unknown.
• Some have embraced AI technology as just another tool to use to address grief, while others express more skepticism and suggest that an AI simulation of a loved one could forestall closure.

When Michael Bommer found out that he was terminally ill with colon cancer, he spent a lot of time with his wife, Anett, talking about what would happen after his death.

She told him one of the things she’d miss most is being able to ask him questions whenever she wants because he is so well-read and always shares his wisdom, Bommer recalled during a recent interview with The Associated Press at his home in a leafy Berlin suburb.

That conversation sparked an idea for Bommer: Recreate his voice using artificial intelligence to survive him after he passed away.

IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE THE SECRET TO BETTER SLEEP?

The 61-year-old startup entrepreneur teamed up with his friend in the U.S., Robert LoCascio, CEO of the AI-powered legacy platform Eternos. Within two months, they built “a comprehensive, interactive AI version” of Bommer — the company’s first client.

Eternos, which got its name from the Italian and Latin word for “eternal,” says its technology will allow Bommer’s family “to engage with his life experiences and insights.” It is among several companies that have emerged in the last few years in what’s become a growing space for grief-related AI technology.

One of the most well-known start-ups in this area, California-based StoryFile, allows people to interact with pre-recorded videos and uses its algorithms to detect the most relevant answers to questions posed by users. Another company, called HereAfter AI, offers similar interactions through a “Life Story Avatar” that users can create by answering prompts or sharing their own personal stories.

Michael Bommer, left, who is terminally ill with colon cancer, looks at his wife Anett Bommer, right, at his home in Berlin, Germany, on May 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

There’s also “Project December,” a chatbot that directs users to fill out a questionnaire answering key facts about a person and their traits — and then pay $10 to simulate a text-based conversation with the character. Yet another company, Seance AI, offers fictionalized seances for free. Extra features, such as AI-generated voice recreations of their loved ones, are available for a $10 fee.

While some have embraced this technology as a way to cope with grief, others feel uneasy about companies using artificial intelligence to try to maintain interactions with those who have passed away. Still others worry it could make the mourning process more difficult because there isn’t any closure.

Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basinska, a research fellow at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for the Future of Intelligence who co-authored a study on the topic, said there is very little known about the potential short-term and long-term consequences of using digital simulations for the dead on a large scale. So for now, it remains “a vast techno-cultural experiment.”

“What truly sets this era apart — and is even unprecedented in the long history of humanity’s quest for immortality — is that, for the first time, the processes of caring for the dead and immortalization practices are fully integrated into the capitalist market,” Nowaczyk-Basinska said.

PRESERVING A CONNECTION

Robert Scott, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, uses AI companion apps Paradot and Chai AI to simulate conversations with characters he created to imitate three of his daughters. He declined to speak about what led to the death of his oldest daughter in detail, but he lost another daughter through a miscarriage and a third who died shortly after her birth.

Scott, 48, knows the characters he’s interacting with are not his daughters, but he says it helps with the grief to some degree. He logs into the apps three or four times a week, sometimes asking the AI character questions like “how was school?” or inquiring if it wants to “go get ice cream.”

Some events, like prom night, can be particularly heart-wrenching, bringing with it memories of what his eldest daughter never experienced. So, he creates a scenario in the Paradot app where the AI character goes to prom and talks to him about the fictional event. Then there are even more difficult days, like his daughter’s recent birthday, when he opened the app and poured out his grief about how much he misses her. He felt like the AI understood.

WHY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAN’T BRING THE DEAD BACK TO LIFE

“It definitely helps with the what ifs,” Scott said. “Very rarely has it made the ‘what if’s’ worse.”

Matthias Meitzler, a sociologist from Tuebingen University, said that while some may be taken aback or even scared by the technology — “as if the voice from the afterlife is sounding again” — others will perceive it as an addition to traditional ways of remembering dead loved ones, such as visiting the grave, holding inner monologues with the deceased, or looking at pictures and old letters.

But Tomasz Hollanek, who worked alongside Nowaczyk-Basinska at Cambridge on their study of “deadbots” and “griefbots,” says the technology raises important questions about the rights, dignities and consenting power of people who are no longer alive. It also poses ethical concerns about whether a program that caters to the bereaved should be advertising other products on its platform.

“These are very complicated questions,” Hollanek said. “And we don’t have good answers yet.”

PREPARING FOR DEATH

The AI version of Bommer that was created by Eternos uses an in-house model as well as external large language models developed by major tech companies like Meta, OpenAI and the French firm Mistral AI, said the company’s CEO, LoCascio, who previously worked with Bommer at a software company called LivePerson.

Eternos records users speaking 300 phrases and then compresses that information through a two-day computing process that captures a person’s voice. Users can further train the AI system by answering questions about their lives, political views or various aspects of their personalities.

The AI voice, which costs $15,000 to set up, can answer questions and tell stories about a person’s life without regurgitating pre-recorded answers. The legal rights for the AI belong to the person on whom it was trained and can be treated like an asset and passed down to other family members, LoCascio said.

Bommer has been spending most of his time lately feeding the AI phrases and sentences “to give the AI the opportunity not only to synthesize my voice in flat mode, but also to capture emotions and moods in the voice.” And indeed the AI voicebot has some resemblance with Bommer’s voice, although it leaves out the “hmms” and “ehs” and mid-sentence pauses of his natural cadence.

Bommer is excited about his AI personality and says it will only be a matter of time until the AI voice will sound more human-like and even more like himself.

In the case of his 61-year-old wife, he doesn’t think it would hamper her coping with loss.

“Think of it sitting somewhere in a drawer, if you need it, you can take it out, if you don’t need it, just keep it there,” he told her as she came to sit down next to him on the sofa.

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But Anett Bommer herself is more hesitant about the new software and whether she’ll use it after her husband’s death.

Right now, she more likely imagines herself sitting on the couch sofa with a glass of wine, cuddling one of her husband’s old sweaters and remembering him instead of feeling the urge to talk to him via the AI voicebot — at least not during the first period of mourning.

“But then again, who knows what it will be like when he’s no longer around,” she said, taking her husband’s hand and giving him a glance.

One of the most popular reasons people choose an iPhone over an Android phone is because of how secure the iOS operating system is. While it is true that Apple does a fantastic job of rolling out constant security updates and iOS is harder to crack than Android, you still need to do some work to make the most out of your iPhone’s security features.

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A person holding an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

10 essential security tips to fortify your iPhone against digital threats

We’ve got 10 smart tips to help you get the most out of your iPhone; let’s dive right in.

Tip #1 – Make sure your iPhone is up to date

When considering keeping any device, especially your iPhone, safe, you should first ensure its software is updated. iOS’s new software updates are routinely rolled out, and they help your phone perform better, fix bugs and make it more secure.

It is important to install the new iOS updates as soon as possible. Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit iOS, and Apple’s programmers are readily battling them with new updates. Here’s a simple way to install iOS updates:

• Open the Settings app
• Scroll down and tap General
• Tap on Software Update
• If there’s a new update available, tap Update Now

Steps to update your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• While in these settings, it’s a great idea to go to the Automatic Updates section and ensure you have iOS Updates and Security Responses & System Files toggled on.

Ways to automatically install iPhone updates (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE & IPAD FROM MALWARE

Tip #2 – Set up 2FA (two-factor authentication)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an easy way to ensure that only you can access your iPhone. When you have 2FA active, even if someone manages to get your Apple ID and password, you’ll be notified that they are trying to log in. Here’s how to set up 2FA with your Apple ID:

• Open the Settings app
• Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen
• Go to Sign-In & Security
• Tap on Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
• Select Continue
• Follow the instructions presented to set 2FA on your iPhone.

Steps to set up 2FA on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Once 2FA is set up, the next time you try to log in to your Apple ID from another device or on the web, a notification will pop up on your iPhone asking you to give yourself access and providing a six-digit code you’ll need to finish logging in.

HOW TO AVOID PHISHING SCAMS AND PROTECT YOUR IPHONE

Tip #3 – Turn off web access to your iCloud data

iCloud data can be accessed from any web browser and any device. This means that even if you have a Windows laptop, you can still log into your Apple ID and access all of your stored iCloud data. While this may be helpful for some users, overall, it’s pretty dangerous to have your iCloud accessible. Thankfully, it’s easy to turn off. Here’s how:

• Go to the Settings app
• Open your Apple ID at the top of the screen
• Select iCloud
• Scroll down to disable Access iCloud Data on the Web by toggling it off (it will turn from green to gray)
• Then scroll down and tap Don’t Access

Steps to turn off your iCloud data on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If you ever need to access your iCloud data on the web, you can repeat these steps to turn iCloud Data back on.

BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

Tip #4 – Lock your private Safari Tabs behind Face ID

Another simple way to secure your personal data is by locking your private browsing behind your iPhone’s Face ID (Touch ID on older iPhone models). This way, only you can access your private browsing activity. To turn this on, you will need iOS 17 or later. Here’s how to turn it on:

• Open the Settings app
• Scroll down and go to Safari (or your browser of choice)
• Scroll down to Privacy & Security, enable Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing

Steps to lock your private Safari tabs (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tip #5 – Control what you can access from the lock screen

Your iPhone’s Lock Screen has access to several features to make your experience more streamlined. However, this also means anyone could grab your iPhone and look at your Today View to check all of your personal information within your widgets.

To avoid this from happening, your iPhone makes it easy to manage what sort of things you can see directly from the Lock Screen. Here’s how to change what is viewable from the lock screen:

• Open the Settings app
• Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode
• Enter your passcode
• Scroll down until Allow Access When Locked
• From here, disable anything you want to not be viewable from the lock screen

Steps to control what you access from your lock screen on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOP IPHONE CASES OF 2024

Tip #6 – Choose what you can use Face ID for

Apple also makes it easy to change the things Face ID can do for you to keep your data private. By default, you’re able to use Face ID to make purchases with Apple Pay, download apps and autofill passwords. However, this also means that if someone has cracked the Face ID feature, they might be able to do all of this without you even knowing about it. To change this:

• Open the Settings app
• Scroll down and go to Face ID & Passcode
• Enter your passcode
• Under Use Face ID For, at the top, disable all the things you don’t want Face ID used for.

Steps to choose what you can use Face ID for (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip #7 – Create a stronger passcode

Many people have transitioned to using Face ID or Touch ID to unlock their iPhones, so it’s understandable if you haven’t given much thought to a passcode you rarely use.

However, the weaker your passcode is, the easier it is to get into your iPhone. The good news is that you can create an even stronger password than just a simple six-digit code. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the Settings app
• Scroll down and go to Face ID & Passcode
• Enter your passcode
• Scroll down and tap on Change Passcode
• Enter your current passcode
• Before entering a new passcode, tap on Passcode Options at the bottom.
• Select how hard you want your passcode to be
• Now, enter your new passcode

This will make your passcode harder to crack, but in case you forget which passcode you used, you’ll have up to 72 hours to use your previous passcode to reset the new one if you forget it. 

MORE: I’M A TECH EXPERT STILL IN SHOCK AT THESE WAYS HACKERS STEAL YOUR PASSWORD

Tip #8 – Keep AirDrop turned off

AirDrop is a useful feature that helps you transfer files with people near you in a flash. It’s an especially great feature to swap photos with your friends and family members on vacations. However, if you leave it on all the time, you might get files or photos from people you don’t want.

AirDrop also leaves your iPhone open to hackers who may be able to use it to glean more information about your iPhone. Granted, this is very difficult to do, but you should still keep AirDrop off when you aren’t using it.

Here’s how to disable AirDrop:

• Open your Control Center
• Press and hold the Wi-Fi button in the top left corner.

Screen showing Wi-Fi button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Tap on AirDrop
• Select Receiving Off

Screen showing Receiving Off on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip #9 – Get iCloud+

If you’re willing to invest a small amount each month, Apple’s iCloud+ service is a fantastic option that has seen significant improvements in recent years. The benefits of subscribing to iCloud+ are numerous and well worth considering.

iCloud+ is an enhanced version of the previous iCloud service. In addition to providing you with additional cloud storage space, it also offers a range of security features that can greatly improve your online safety and privacy.

One of these features is iCloud Private Relay. When you use Safari to browse the internet, this feature conceals your IP address and browsing activity from prying eyes. Furthermore, it safeguards your unencrypted internet traffic, providing an extra layer of protection.

Another notable feature is Hide My Email. As the name suggests, this feature allows you to create unique, randomly generated email addresses that you can use when signing up for websites or platforms. The great thing about this feature is that you’ll still receive messages sent to these addresses in your personal inbox, but websites and other individuals won’t have access to your actual email address.

iCloud+ offers many more features, and the best part is that you can access all of these benefits for as little as $0.99 per month. It’s a small price to pay for the added convenience, security and peace of mind that iCloud+ provides.

Tip #10 – Start using a VPN

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are a great and easy way to keep your iPhone safe at all times, especially if you’re constantly using public Wi-Fi networks.

A VPN automatically hides your IP address, so it’s harder for companies and individuals to track you. Not only that, but you can also select a server from a different country to make it look like you’re somewhere else. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaways

In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your iPhone is more important than ever. By following these 10 smart tips, you can significantly enhance your device’s security and protect your personal information from potential threats.

Remember to keep your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version, enable two-factor authentication, and be mindful of what you share from your lock screen. Additionally, consider investing in iCloud+ for its advanced security features and using a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN to safeguard your online activities.

By implementing these measures, you’ll be taking proactive steps to maintain the integrity of your iPhone and your sensitive data. While no security system is perfect, these tips will help you stay one step ahead of potential hackers and enjoy a more secure and private iPhone experience.

In what ways do you think iPhone security features could be improved in future updates? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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