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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:

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:

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