Security

A long time ago, the Apple ID was like any other username. But nowadays Apple requires all Apple IDs to be verifiable email addresses. Since everyone's Apple ID is an email address, many of these have been found in data breaches and leaked online. While your actual iCloud or iTunes accounts may not be compromised, the email address you use for your Apple ID could have leaked along with billions of other account records.

iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners have been warned about a FaceTime bug that was recently discovered, which could affect privacy. In a nutshell, FaceTime callers can hear audio through your iOS device's microphone while it's ringing. The would-be eavesdropper has to follow a few steps to unlock the bug, however anyone receiving an incoming FaceTime call could be at risk, before the call is answered.

Users of Apple Pay Cash may be asked to verify their identity as they approach the $500 mark of money added or payments received. Beyond this limit, identity verification is required to use the service. Green Dot Bank, which provides the Apple Pay Cash card and person-to-person payments must verify its customers to comply with federal law.

Siri enjoys delivering answers to iPhone owners whether their devices are locked or unlocked. Sometimes the call "Hey Siri" is even answered no matter who is asking. Pressing the Side button or Home button can also invoke Siri from the Lock Screen. For those who consider this a privacy or security risk, Siri can be completely disabled when the iPhone is locked.