Security expert warns billions of iPhone users to turn these 3 default settings off immediately

Security experts have issued a warning to iPhone users that they need to turn three settings off immediately.

If you're anything like me, then you never read the terms and conditions when getting a new phone; you just click accept and get cracking.

You probably also never check the settings that are on by default because you're too busy getting excited over the new features.

But we might be leaving ourselves vulnerable to hackers, so what settings should we be switching off?

Well, per Forbes, the NSA has given some guidance.

1: The Hidden Dangers of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on at all times might seem convenient, but it could be a major security risk.

When your iPhone is constantly searching for available networks, it can automatically connect to a rogue hotspot controlled by hackers. Once connected, cybercriminals can intercept your data, steal passwords, and even install malware on your device - sometimes even after you’ve disconnected.

These attacks are most common in public places like coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels, where hackers disguise their rogue networks by naming them after legitimate businesses. The National Security Agency (NSA) calls this trick an "evil twin" attack.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky warns that these types of attacks are one of the biggest threats to free Wi-Fi security. “So instead of talking directly with the hotspot, you’re sending your information to the hacker, who then relays it on,” they explained.

How to Stay Safe:

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off Auto-Join Hotspot to stop your phone from automatically connecting to unknown networks.
2. Avoid public Wi-Fi that doesn’t require a password, as these are easy targets for hackers.
3. Similarly, Bluetooth should only be on when you need it—otherwise, you risk a “BlueBorne” attack, where hackers exploit Bluetooth connections to access your data. Turn off Bluetooth by going to Settings > Bluetooth and toggling it off when not in use.

2: Location Services: A Goldmine for Hackers

Your iPhone tracks your location constantly, but did you know that allowing apps to access your location “at all times” could be giving hackers a detailed map of your daily routine?

How to Take Control:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services to see which apps are tracking your location.
2. For apps like Maps or Weather, set them to “While Using the App” instead of “Always.”
3. If an app doesn’t really need your location, turn it off completely.

3: App Tracking: Is Your Phone Listening to You?

Ever had a conversation about a product, only to see ads for it moments later? It might feel like your phone is listening to you - but in reality, it’s tracking everything you do.

Apps constantly gather data, including your name, email, device ID, and browsing habits, and then share this information with advertisers. This allows them to build a detailed profile about you, leading to eerily accurate targeted ads.

Luckily, Apple has a built-in feature called App Tracking Transparency that lets you see which apps are collecting data about you - and stop them.

How to Block App Tracking:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.
2. If "Allow Apps to Request to Track" is turned on, your apps could be monitoring your behavior. Toggle this setting off to prevent apps from tracking your usage.

It's always better to be safe than sorry!

Featured image credit: John Keeble / Getty