iPhone Security Tip 4: Securely Access Corporate, Web Mail

If you're a corporate iPhone user, the most secure way for you to access your e-mail, at least your business mail, is most likely through a Microsoft Exchange Server--assuming your organization uses Exchange. Lotus Notes users can also securely receive their corporate mail via iPhone thanks to the recent introduction of Lotus iNotes ultralite. (For more on how to receive Outlook and Notes mail on the iPhone, consult your IT administrator.)

iPhone Advanced Mail Settings

For non-business iPhone users, receiving Web mail, like Gmail, AOL and Yahoo Mail, is a breeze; however, the process is not always secure--especially if you're not aware of how to ensure that secure sockets layer (SSL) protection is enabled, where available. SSL encrypts mail that's sent and received via iPhone. If you're unable to connect to your Web mail using the iPhone and SSL, consider using another mail account that does support the safeguard--I've setup a number of Gmail accounts using SSL on the iPhone. Or, if you choose to access mail without SSL, be aware that your messages are not secured--think post card vs. sealed letter.

To ensure that you're using SSL when retrieving Web mail, click the main iPhone Settings tab, choose Mail, Contacts and Calendar and then select one of your active mail accounts. While on the mail account screen, click Advanced, scroll down to the Use SSL option and ensure that it's set to On.

iPhone users can also access Web mail via their mail provider's portals, but it pays to be security smart when using this process as well. For instance, iPhone users should ensure that the URL for the mail provider's site begins with HTTPS://WWW instead of just HTTP://WWW, which signifies that the connection is secured using SSL. A tiny lock also appears just to the right of URLs when iPhone users navigate to pages that use SSL for secure connections. In other words, be wary of logging into any Web site to check mail via iPhone that doesn't have HTTPS in its URL and a lock to the right of the Web address in your Safari browser.

Gmail Login Portal on iPhone

iPhone Security Tip 5: Browse the Web via Safari

Just like surfing the Web via laptop or desktop computers, navigating the Internet via iPhone is rife with security risks. Proactively optimizing your iPhone browser security settings could potentially mean the difference between a fully-functioning device and an infected gadget rendered useless by malware.

The iPhone Safari browser security settings are basic--and most are turned on by default--but it doesn't hurt to ensure that your iPhone Safari security settings are in order.

Apple iPhone Safari Options

First off, you'll want to ensure that pop-ups are blocked. Clicking on a malicious pop-up could expose your device to malware and lead to an infection. As mentioned above, pop-ups are blocked by default, but you can check and modify your settings by first clicking the main iPhone Settings icon and then scrolling down and tapping Safari. On the Safari settings screen, ensure that the Block Pop-ups button is switched to On.

You'll also want to check on your Safari cookies settings. Cookies are pieces of text that are distributed back and forth between Web servers and Internet clients, typically browsers, and they're used mainly for authenticating users. However, cookies can be a security/privacy risk, as information about users' devices, operating systems, browsers and, in some cases, browsing habits can be stored within cookies and could, therefore, be accessed by third-parties.

The iPhone Safari Accept Cookies function is set to From Visited by default--meaning the browser will accept cookies from sites that you navigate to--but the most security conscious iPhone owners may want to disable cookies completely. Cookies can be disabled by in the Safari settings menu by tapping the Accept Cookies tab and then selecting Never.

iPhone users can also clear their current crop of cookies by clicking the Clear Cookies button at the bottom of the Safari settings menu and then selecting Clear Cookies again on the following screen.

  On to iPhone Usage Restrictions >>