How US Visitors Can Stay Safe & Secure on their iPhone in the Middle East

United States citizens should protect their digital assets and other sensitive data stored on their iPhones when they visit the Middle East. With that in mind, here is a comprehensive list of steps which will help to keep your phone safe and secure on your next trip to the region.

Strengthen the Password & Use Biometric Security

The first line of defence for your iPhone must be a very strong password. Avoid generic four-digit pins and go for an alphanumeric passcode. Turn on FACE ID and Touch ID to make it impossible for others to access your phone. Before your trip, go to Settings, set strong passwords and enable your biometric defence.

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Enable Find My iPhone & Location Tracking

One of the most exciting features of the Apple phone is the Find My iPhone feature, which can track, lock and even erase your device remotely. Before you take that trip to the Middle East, ensure this feature is enabled. Turn on the Find My iPhone and Send Last Location feature to locate your phone if it goes missing. If the device is stolen, you can also limit access to it.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi & Use a VPN

The Middle East is a technologically advanced region. Public Wi-Fi networks are available in airports, hotels and cafes to support the tech-savvy lifestyle. However, these networks can be risky. Hackers can intercept unencrypted data and access emails, passwords and banking details. Avoid using these public networks. Always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you must use these Wi-Fi connections.

Download a reliable VPN before the trip to encrypt your internet traffic from hackers. They also bypass regional restrictions on certain websites while covering your digital tracks. This can be particularly useful if you enjoy playing online casino games, which currently do not operate under licenses issued by Middle East governments. Countries such as Kuwait prohibit gaming. Visitors who want to experience real money online casinos in Kuwait can use VPNs to circumvent the restrictions.

Update Your iPhone Software

Apple is constantly releasing new updates with useful security patches. Ensure your device runs on the latest iOS before travelling to the Middle East. Go to Settings, then General and Software Update. Download and install the latest update to minimise vulnerabilities and protect your new device against new cyber threats.

Turn Off Auto-Connect for Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

If your iPhone is set to connect to available Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth devices automatically, you need to turn this feature off, as it can put your security in danger. Your phone could connect to a potentially malicious network without your consent. Go to Settings, and in the Wi-Fi section, disable Auto-Join for unknown networks. In Settings, head to Bluetooth to turn it off when you are not using it.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding another layer of security to your accounts to prevent unauthorised access, even if your passwords are compromised, is another critical step to securing your iPhone. Apple allows users to set Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to protect their Apple ID and associated services. Go to Settings, open the section with your name and then select Password & Security. There is a section to turn on 2FA.

With your 2FA on, anyone who hacks your passwords would need another secondary verification code to access your accounts.

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Remove Sensitive Data Before Travelling

If you have sensitive files, banking detailsand personal documents on your iPhone, remove them and put them into a storage device you can leave at home. And if they must go with you, secure them on iCloud Drive or OneDrive. Back up your documents on the cloud first, then delete them from your phone and ensure you go through your Recently Deleted folder to clear them permanently. If you lose your phone, no one can access those sensitive files.

Use Airplane Mode When Necessary

Some Middle Eastern countries may inspect electronic devices at their airports, and you can prevent data transfer by putting your phone in Airplane Mode when going through checkpoints. To turn on Airplane mode, swipe down from the top-right corner (iPhones with Face ID) or swipe up from the bottom (iPhones with a Home button) and tap the Airplane mode to activate it. The authorities won’t be able to access your network during inspections.

Be Aware of Physical Security Risks

Besides cyber threats, there are steps you must take for physical security. In tourist hotspots such as markets and public transport, visitors can be pickpocketed and have their phones snatched. Keep your iPhone in a secure pocket or bag, or hold it tight. Be careful when using your phone in a crowded area.