Did you know it’s possible to save your private keys or seed phrases somewhat safely and securely on iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad? Using cloud services like iCloud could expose you to potential hacks, but you can mitigate that risk by keeping that information on your iPhone. But, of course, do NOT lose your phone.
It’s advisable to avoid storing seed phrases in any online cloud storage service. By employing alternative security measures discussed in this article, you can enhance the safety of your seed phrases and crypto wallet on iOS.
- Is iCloud safe in 2023?
- Utilizing native iOS features to store seed phrases safely
- You can also leverage third-party iOS apps
- The best way: hardware wallets
- Continue learning and explore Web3 safely
Is iCloud safe in 2023?
While iCloud offers convenient backup and sync options, it’s important to understand its potential risks. Recent incidents have highlighted vulnerabilities in Apple’s security:
In a 2020 article by Wired, researchers found 55 flaws in Apple’s corporate network, including a wormable vulnerability that allowed attackers to fully compromise victim iCloud accounts. Additionally, a more recent article by The Guardian reported that hackers actively exploited an Apple security flaw to gain full control over devices.
Although advancements may have been made in security measures since then, it is crucial for users to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves.
Utilizing native iOS features to store seed phrases safely
Popular crypto wallets like MetaMask emphasize the importance of securely storing seed phrases.
Storing seed phrases physically is safe, but misplacement is a risk. For those who tend to be forgetful, there are native iOS features that can help you to enhance security.
Secure notes
One option is to use the built-in Notes app with strong protection. You can store your seed phrases in a secure note by locking them up.
When you store a locked note in iCloud, it gets encrypted with your device passcode or biometric authentication for added protection. However, no system is perfect, and vulnerabilities can exist if your iCloud account gets hacked.
If you want to avoid using iCloud altogether, store locked notes locally. Please note that your local folder might not be visible by default and needs to be manually activated in the Settings menu. To access this feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Notes.”
- Under the “Accounts” section, tap on “Default Account.”
- Choose “On My iPhone” to set it as the default account for storing notes locally.
Locked albums
iOS also offers the option to create locked albums in the Photos app. You can store an image of your seed phrase and protect it with a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID. Just make sure to disable the Show Hide Album feature.
Keep in mind that if your photo is synced to iCloud, it may have a lower level of security.
You can also leverage third-party iOS apps
Several third-party iOS apps specialize in securely storing sensitive information.
Password managers
Password management apps such as 1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane offer secure storage for not only passwords but also seed phrases. They use strong encryption and provide additional security features like two-factor authentication.
Secure document vaults
Apps like Hide It Pro, Vault and Keeply allow you to store important documents and seed phrases securely. These apps offer encryption, password protection, and sometimes biometric authentication for an extra layer of security.
But It is also important to note that no document vault is completely secure. If a hacker gains access to your document vault, they will be able to access all of your stored files. It is important to use a strong master password and to keep your document vault up to date with the latest security patches.
The best way: hardware wallets
Although iOS features and third-party apps offer valuable security, they cannot match the level of security provided by hardware wallets. Hardware wallets like LEDGER and TREZOR are purpose-built physical devices for securely storing cryptocurrency private keys.
Their key advantage lies in offline storage, providing effective protection against hackers who can exploit vulnerabilities over the internet. Additionally, they employ strong encryption and require physical confirmation for transactions, significantly reducing the risk of seed phrase exposure.
Continue learning and explore Web3 safely
The web3 landscape is constantly evolving, with hackers and exploiters employing new methods regularly. That’s why it’s crucial to continuously learn and stay updated on the best practices for safeguarding your valuable cryptocurrency assets.
To enhance your knowledge, you can explore these educational resources on DappRadar:
- How to Protect Yourself From Seed Phrase Scam
- 8 Ways to Check If It’s a Token Scam
- How to Prevent Scammers from Draining Your Wallet
- NFT Airdrops: Safe Opportunities or Elaborate Scams?
