How To Secure Your Digital Life

Shehzan Maredia

Most people don’t realize how exposed they are online until it’s too late. Here’s a simple guide to lock down your iCloud, Google Drive, phone, and more.

1. Secure Your iCloud and Google Drive Accounts

Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Always turn on two-factor authentication. Even if someone gets your password, 2FA stops them.

Set a Social Recovery Contact

If you lose your device or 2FA method, a trusted contact can approve your account recovery. Without one, you’re stuck.

2. Choose the Right 2FA Method

Here’s what you can use for 2FA on iCloud and Google Drive:

Trusted Phone Number
Trusted Device (Face ID/Touch ID/Passcode)
Security Key (e.g., Yubikey)
- If you add a physical security key, it becomes the only valid 2FA method, disabling others.

For Google Drive, you can also use:

Authenticator App (e.g., Google Authenticator, Aegis)
Signed-In Web Browser (your login session acts as a second factor)

We recommend using Yubikey or Google Authenticator.

3. Use a Password Manager

Trying to remember strong passwords doesn't work. Use a password manager.

Apple Keychain (free on iOS and Mac):

You can recover your passwords with your Apple ID credentials + device passcode.
Can recover even if you lose your phone using a trusted device, trusted number, or recovery contact.
Allows you to securely share passwords with others.

Dashlane is a third-party password manager that works on iOS and Android.

4. Secure Your Phone

If your phone is compromised, everything else can fall with it.

Set a strong passcode (avoid birthdays or simple patterns).
Use Face ID or Touch ID.
Enable wipe after failed unlock attempts (usually 10 tries).
Secure your phone number:
- Use services like Cloaked Wireless for private numbers.
- Use a Google Voice number for signups to avoid giving away your real number.