Frequently Asked Questions

Clouds & Keys – iPhone & iCloud Security Check FAQ

1. What is the iPhone & iCloud Security Audit?

It’s a guided iPhone and iCloud security check that reviews your Apple ID settings, device protections, and privacy controls. You follow simple steps on your own iPhone, and we generate a security score, a risk rating, a certificate, and a detailed report.

2. What does the audit check?

The audit runs a full iCloud security check, including:

Apple ID password and recovery info, two-factor authentication, Recovery Key, Recovery Contacts, Security Keys, Advanced Data Protection, iPhone passcode and Face ID settings, Stolen Device Protection, AirDrop and proximity sharing, USB accessories, iCloud backup, software updates, Find My iPhone, browser warnings, and key iPhone privacy and sharing settings.

3. Is iCloud secure?

iCloud uses strong encryption and modern security design, but your safety depends heavily on your settings. Turning on features like two-factor authentication, a Recovery Key, and Advanced Data Protection dramatically improves your security. The audit checks how well your account is configured.

4. How do I check my iCloud security?

Apple doesn’t provide a single “security check” button. The Clouds & Keys audit acts as a step-by-step iCloud security checkup, showing what’s enabled, what’s missing, and how to fix it in your iPhone Settings.

5. Who is this audit for?

The audit is for anyone who wants to be sure their iPhone and iCloud account are secure, including: professionals with sensitive data, frequent travelers, iCloud-heavy users, families helping older relatives, and anyone who has ever wondered, “Is my iCloud safe?”

6. How long does the audit take?

Most people complete the iPhone and iCloud security check in 10–18 minutes, depending on how many settings need to be adjusted.

7. Will the audit change anything on my device automatically?

No. The audit is read-only guidance. It will never change your iPhone or iCloud settings automatically. You review each recommendation and decide what to turn on or off yourself.

8. Do you get access to my passwords, messages, or personal data?

No. We never see your Apple ID, passcode, photos, messages, or any personal content. The audit is a configuration-only security review performed on your own device.

9. Do I get a certificate or report?

Yes. After the check you receive:

• A professional Security Certificate summarizing your score and risk level.
• A detailed Audit Report showing your current protections, missing items, and step-by-step recommendations.

10. What do the “Critical,” “High,” “Medium,” and “Low” items mean?

These are weighted categories in the audit:

Critical – foundational protections for your Apple ID and iPhone.
High – major security features that block common attacks.
Medium – strong best-practice settings.
Low – smaller but meaningful improvements.

If any Critical item is missing, your audit is marked Incomplete.

11. What’s considered a good iPhone security score?

Your score reflects the overall health of your iPhone security settings:

80–100% – Low Risk
60–79% – Medium Risk
Below 60% – High Risk
• Any Critical item missing – Incomplete

12. How often should I redo the audit?

Most people repeat the security check every 6–12 months or after major iOS releases. Apple regularly adds new protections, and re-running the audit keeps your settings up to date.

13. What is end-to-end encryption in iCloud?

End-to-end encryption means only your trusted devices hold the keys to decrypt the data. Even Apple can’t read it. With Advanced Data Protection turned on, most iCloud categories (including backups and photos) become end-to-end encrypted.

14. What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone?

Lockdown Mode is an optional high-security mode designed for people who may be targeted by advanced attacks. It limits certain apps, network features, and attachments to reduce your attack surface. The audit explains when Lockdown Mode might make sense for you.

15. Why does this audit focus on iPhones instead of Macs?

Your iPhone is the master key to your Apple ID and iCloud account. If someone controls your phone, they can often reset passwords, approve sign-ins, and change security settings. Securing the iPhone is the fastest way to secure everything connected to your Apple ID.

16. Does a good score guarantee I won’t be attacked?

No security check can offer a guarantee, but a strong score closes the most common attack paths, including Apple ID takeover, phishing, passcode-based theft, and unauthorized device access. It’s the best way to remove the “easy wins” for attackers.

17. How do I know if my iCloud has been hacked?

Warning signs include unknown devices on your Apple ID, password reset emails you didn’t request, strange App Store charges, or iMessage and FaceTime activity you don’t recognize. The audit walks you through a trusted device and security review so you can see what has access to your account.

18. Is my iPhone safe if someone knows my passcode?

Not by default. If a thief knows your passcode, they can try to change your Apple ID and security settings. Features like Stolen Device Protection, a strong alphanumeric passcode, and Require Attention for Face ID are critical protections the audit checks for.

19. Is iCloud safe for private photos?

Yes, especially with Advanced Data Protection enabled. Your iCloud Photos library becomes end-to-end encrypted and is only readable on your trusted devices. The audit confirms whether this level of protection is turned on for your account.