Phone Security Checkup
10 minutes. Major safety boost.
Update everything
- iOS: Settings → General → Software Update.
- Android: Settings → System → Software Update.
- Update apps: App Store + Play Store.
- Updates patch security holes.
- Outdated phones get hacked.
- Auto-update for ease.
Strong screen lock
- 6-digit passcode minimum (better than 4).
- Face ID / Touch ID enabled.
- Screen locks 1 minute or less.
- NEVER share passcode.
- Don't use birthday/anniversary.
- Lock screen = home base of security.
App permissions audit
- Settings → Privacy + Security.
- Check Location Services.
- Camera + Microphone access.
- Contacts access.
- Revoke for apps that don't need.
- Game doesn't need your contacts.
Find My / Find My Device
- iPhone: Settings → Apple ID → Find My.
- Android: Settings → Google → Find My Device.
- Enable both location + send last location.
- If lost — locate it remotely.
- Wipe remotely if stolen.
- Free, built-in.
Auto-fill + saved passwords
- iCloud Keychain (Apple) — secure.
- Google Password Manager — secure.
- Or use Bitwarden / 1Password.
- Strong unique passwords for each account.
- Auto-fill makes safer easier.
- Don't reuse passwords.
Block unknown senders
- iPhone: Settings → Messages → Filter Unknown.
- Reduces text spam.
- Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers.
- Stops most scam calls.
- Real callers leave voicemail.
- Critical for senior scam reduction.
Once a year takes 10 minutes
Pick a day each year — your birthday works — to do this 10-minute phone security checkup. Update operating system, review app permissions, ensure screen lock is strong, verify Find My is enabled. Combined with strong passwords + 2FA on email, your phone is significantly safer than 90% of others. Maintenance prevents disaster.