Learning
May 6, 2025
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.
5. Use a Privacy-Focused VPN
Even if your device is secure, your internet connection might not be. VPNs encrypt your traffic and protect you on public Wi-Fi.
Two great options:
6. Use Private Messaging Apps
If you’re not using a private messenger, assume your conversations are being logged.
Best option:
Signal is better than SMS, WhatsApp, or anything tied to your identity.
Resources
iCloud:
GDrive:
Both: