Cybercriminals are finding new ways to access personal information, and security experts are warning billions of iPhone users to turn off three default settings that could be putting their data at risk. National security officials have raised concerns that these settings, enabled by default on Apple devices, could expose users to hacking attempts and data breaches.

Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to steal personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card details, passwords, personal photos, and even home addresses. With this information, cybercriminals can commit identity theft, drain bank accounts, or sell sensitive data on the dark web.

1. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Auto-Connect

One of the biggest security risks comes from the automatic Wi-Fi connection setting. While it may seem convenient for your device to search for available networks when you’re out, this feature can connect your iPhone to rogue hotspots controlled by hackers.

Once connected, a cybercriminal can intercept your data, even after you disconnect, and potentially install malware on your device. This is especially common in public places like coffee shops, airports, and restaurants where free Wi-Fi is widely available.

The National Security Agency (NSA) has warned that hackers often disguise their rogue Wi-Fi networks by using names similar to nearby legitimate connections. This type of attack is known as an “evil twin” attack, where cybercriminals set up a fraudulent hotspot to trick users into connecting.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has identified this as one of the biggest threats to public Wi-Fi security. Hackers can position themselves between you and the real network, intercepting data as it passes through. To protect yourself, disable the ‘Auto-Join Hotspot’ setting in your iPhone’s Wi-Fi settings.

Similarly, leaving Bluetooth enabled can expose your device to a “BlueBorne” attack, where hackers can gain control of your phone. Turning off Bluetooth when not in use helps mitigate this risk.

2. Location Services Tracking

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Another default setting that poses a privacy risk is location tracking. Many apps request access to your location, but granting them unrestricted access could provide hackers with a wealth of data about your whereabouts.

For example, a major security breach in January 2025 exposed data from the Gravy Analytics app, which collects user location data for businesses. Hackers managed to steal precise location information, mapping users’ exact movements.

To safeguard your privacy, go to your iPhone settings, navigate to Privacy & Security, and tap on Location Services. Here, you can see which apps have access to your location and limit their permissions. It’s best to allow location access only “While Using the App” rather than “Always.” Apps like Maps and Weather may require location services, but you can restrict tracking to when they are in active use.

3. App Tracking Transparency

Have you ever discussed a product only to later see ads for it on your phone? This eerie phenomenon is likely due to app tracking. Your iPhone constantly gathers data, and many apps share this information to build digital profiles of users, including browsing habits, preferences, and purchasing behavior.

Fortunately, Apple introduced App Tracking Transparency, a feature that allows users to see which apps are tracking their data. To protect your privacy, go to your iPhone settings, navigate to Privacy & Security, and select Tracking. If the “Allow Apps to Request to Track” option is enabled, your apps may be monitoring your activity and sharing data with third parties. Turn this setting off to block tracking.

Additional Security Measures

Beyond disabling these three default settings, the NSA recommends several other precautions to enhance iPhone security:

• Restart Your Phone Weekly: Regularly rebooting your iPhone can help prevent malware and spyware from embedding itself in your system. The NSA has found that many cyberattacks rely on chains of vulnerabilities, and rebooting forces attackers to restart their exploitation process.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks, particularly in airports, hotels, and coffee shops, are hotspots for cybercriminals. The NSA advises using a personal or corporate Wi-Fi hotspot with strong authentication and encryption instead of connecting to open networks.
• Keep Software Updated: Ensure your iPhone’s operating system and apps are always updated to the latest versions. Apple frequently releases security patches to fix vulnerabilities, so enabling automatic updates is crucial.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen account security by enabling MFA on important accounts, such as email, banking, and social media. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password.

Conclusion

While Apple provides advanced security measures, some default settings could leave users vulnerable to cyber threats. By turning off automatic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, limiting location tracking, and disabling unnecessary app tracking, you can significantly reduce your risk of hacking attempts and data theft. Additionally, following best practices like regular device reboots, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and keeping software up to date can further enhance your digital security. With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics, staying proactive about iPhone security is more important than ever.