Apple

Apple builds some security and privacy protection into its iPhones and iPads by default. Its iMessage protocol, for instance, uses end-to-end encryption when sending messages to other Apple devices. This is no different in iOS 11, the most recent version of Apple's mobile operating system.

There are a number of ways to protect your privacy in iOS 11 with Apple's own settings but there are also plenty of third-party applications that can further help you to control your data. We've run down some of the best iPhone security apps that can aid you in keeping your information secure.


Onion browser

From the creators of Tor, the iOS browsing app allows for secure browsing via your iPhone or iPad. The app, from developer Mike Tigas, is open-source and allows access to .onion websites. It also automatically blocks scripts, doesn't store cookies and tabs and has a load of user preferences.

1Password

One way to ensure you use secure passwords is to use a password manager. LastPass remembers all your passwords and sensitive information, and you can use the app to generate strong and unique passwords. The app keeps everything secure using AES 256-bit encryption.

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NordVPN

From the team behind the virtual private network, NordVPN, is an iOS app which re-routes and encrypts all web traffic making the connection private and secure while using a top of the line security protocol.

Signal

Signal is an encrypted messaging and voice-calling app that provides end-to-end encryption to secure all communications. It can also verify the identity of a person you’re messaging and the integrity of the channel they are using.


Wire

If you want to get really secure, messaging app Wire was recently named the most secure instant messenger by Linz University, Austria. It offers encrypted live audio and visual group calling and allows you to use different keys for each device, with Wire sending a unique keycode for every different login to maintain security.

Keeply

Keeply stores a user’s private moments and data, such as pins, credit cards and notes on the phone. It provides a Fake Pin feature, an alternate password that the user can give to their family or friends so when they enter the app, so to their prying eyes it looks like it is empty.

Lock It Up!

Lock It Up! allows users to lock a PC or Mac from anywhere using an iPhone. It’s cloud-based, so you don’t need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for it to work. The app does run in the background, but it promises not to consume much CPU.


Knock 2.0

Similar to Lock It Up!, owners simply need to knock twice on their iPhone to lock a Mac, even if it’s in their pocket. You can also use Knock 2.0 on an Apple Watch: after a fingerprint is provided, users can lock or unlock their Mac with just one tap.

Mynigma

Mynigma is an email security app that provides automatic end-to-end encryption directly on your device, not in the cloud. It allows users to easily manage keys and can be used across different devices too.

This article was originally published in March 2016, it has since been updated with more applications