Does Apple's Security Support iOS Privacy At Work?

Summary: This 3-minute article explores the cyber security required to use Apple devices in the workplace safely. Learn about Apple’s security and how to secure iOS privacy for Apple devices at your business. Contact DIGIGUARD CYBER SECURITY at 833-33-CYBER (833-332-9237) or visit www.DIGIGUARDsecurity.com for a cyber risk analysis and to discuss the overall security of your business’s computer system.

Over the past few decades, Apple device users have become lulled into a false sense of cyber security. Because Windows-based PCs have historically faced more virus and malware attacks, many Mac and iPhone users incorrectly feel immune to cybercrimes. But cybercriminals don’t play favorites. In our “Internet of Things” or IoT, every new connected device is a target endpoint through which cyberattacks can be launched. As a result, any connected device on any platform is at risk.

The good news is that Apple spends a lot of programming time and money protecting their users from cyber threats. They enforce strict privacy policies and have offered very secure operating systems for SMBs. Therefore, an Apple-based computer system comes with cutting-edge security already built in. However, many variables exist in how people use their devices. Some will only go online on their own networks. Yet others will use public WiFi on their iPhones, MacBooks and iPads, potentially opening their private data to the world. Performing tasks that expose your personal information and visiting websites that use cookies to track users afford hackers a more significant target landscape.

SMBs are particularly vulnerable. Many don’t have sufficient cyber security budgets, and owners wrongly believe they’re too small for hackers to bother with. Because of that misconception, cybercriminals see SMBs as the “low-hanging fruit” ripe for an attack. Unfortunately, no connected device is completely secure on the internet, and business owners must be aware of all the possible threats.

There are different categories of cyber risks for Apple users to address:

• Cyber Security – New websites spring up at a rate of thousands per day. The growth is so vast and continuous that it has become more and more challenging to ascertain whether or not a website is safe to visit. Unfortunately, hackers keep up with growth and find new ways to trick users into sharing private data or impulsive clicking on malicious links. The best protection solutions use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to continuously scan the web for suspicious domains and websites. When the scanning identifies security threats such as malware, spam URLs and phishing scams, it will flag those domains as potentially malicious and block them. In-house IT administrators can also use the data to manually block any questionable domains.
• Privacy – In the workplace, cyber privacy includes protecting the individual user’s and your company’s private data. As we’ve stated, every connected device is a vulnerable endpoint that needs to be protected. Accessing an employee’s private data can be a springboard for a company-wide attack. Corporate cyber security requires everyone to be on the same page. Ongoing employee training in IT best practices is vital to protecting your company’s hard-earned data. Company privacy includes iPhone browser security for any iPhones connected to your network locally and remotely. Virtual private networks (VPNs) and encrypted Domain Name Systems (DNS) can hide users' web browsing activities from hackers.
• Compliance – Compliance concerns related to laws, regulations and policies have skyrocketed in the newly expanded remote work environment. The more remote work modules there are, the more potential there is for intentional or accidental exposure to data breaches. Therefore, consistent training and monitoring are essential layers of defense against cyberattacks.

What Is iCloud Private?

Whenever you are browsing the web without protections in place, your IP address and DNS data can be seen by your network provider and any websites you visit. Over time, the data can be used to record your browsing history. Apple now offers the option to enable their iCloud Private Relay to hide this data from nefarious cybercriminals. So far, this feature can only be enabled using Safari as your browser. When in iCloud Private mode, your data is encrypted, and you receive a temporary IP address every time you visit a website. Thus, tracking your web activity and hijacking your data becomes much more difficult for hackers and offers another robust layer of cyber threat protection.

The FBI (https://www.fbi.gov/ news/ press-releases/ director-wray-speaks-with-government -and-private-sector- leaders-at-world-economic-forum) takes online privacy very seriously and devotes significant time and research to protecting corporate and individual online privacy. FBI Director Wray addressed data privacy at the World Economic Forum. As online security issues affect every connected user worldwide, working and cooperating with other countries is essential to robust cyber threat protection.

Unfortunately, there are no “one-and-done” solutions for protecting private data on any connected devices. Apple’s commitment to device security will continue to enhance the cyber protection built into Apple devices. However, today’s SMB cyber security requires many layers of protection to ensure the privacy of your business data. Many of the solutions are beyond the knowledge of an average user. SMBs that cannot afford a full-time IT staffer should employ IT experts to install robust layers of protection and help analyze and monitor their business for potential cyberattacks.