Advanced Security Mycenius Mobile Security 2024

[Mycenius]

Config of my current iPhone (note I also run an iPad Air with similar config). Welcome any feedback on improving performance and security - especially as past experience has been 3rd Party Security noticeably slows device, as does some VPN services I have tried in the past. Am looking to possibly discontinue my Trend Micros subscription (which currently covers our combined 2 PCs, 1 MacBook Laptop, and 3 of our 4 iOS mobile devices) and go a different way on the PCs, so looking to review options for my 3 Apple devices (and possibly partner's 2) - e.g. is a security app needed in iOS and macOS?

 

[Back3]

Iphone 14 Pro. I've been using AdGuard Pro with DNS protection. I added one filter, OISD Big, and chose ControlD malware as my server. What I mean: you can pick the filters and the servers you want. And it doesn't slow down your phone.
Previously, I used NextDNS profile configuration. Still using it on my Ipad.

 

[poopdookie]

Doing the same thing Via Adguard (same list), only pointing to NextDNS, but ControlD malware/tracking dns is my backup profile (QUIC). I have a catchall of DNSSecurity Pro app pointing to NextDNS/ControlD in case adguard is toggled off for some reason.

 

[Mycenius]

Thanks @Back3 and @poopdookie, not familiar with Adguard for iOS so will definitely look into that ASAP - appreciate the pointers...

 

[harlan4096]

Also, consider to add SIM card lock protection with a PIN.

What about using a PassWord Manager?

 

[Mycenius]

Also, consider to add SIM card lock protection with a PIN.

Hi @harlan4096 - I have tried 3 times over the last 5 years (2 different iPhones) but they always say unable to set/save the PIN (on the SIM).

What about using a PassWord Manager?

Yes I do - I have been actively using 1Password for about 5 years, and also have Bitwarden installed as I've been trialling that for a year or so as an alternate to 1PW.

(I will edit my spec post to include that)

 

[TairikuOkami]

Also, consider to add SIM card lock protection with a PIN.

Indeed, even if it is just the year of birth to avoid remembering too many codes, it is still better than nothing.

 

[Mycenius]

Agree totally @TairikuOkami - see my response to harlan4096 above (my reply and your post obviously crossed in transit). May be something odd with my SIM - will look at it again.

 

[harlan4096]

Hi @harlan4096 - I have tried 3 times over the last 5 years (2 different iPhones) but they always say unable to set/save the PIN (on the SIM).

That behavior is quite strange did You check if only accepting number and/or also letters and special symbols?

SIM pins usually only accepts 4 numbers I guess

 

[Mycenius]

SIM pins usually only accepts 4 numbers I guess

Yeah I will recheck - I err towards longer PINs 6-8 minimum so may be the issue. But pretty sure I would have tried only a basic simple 4-digit numeric one originally...

 

[TairikuOkami]

Since your phone supports it, you should just switch to eSIM, it is much safer when talking about sim-jacking.

 

[Back3]

What about using a PassWord Manager?

Apple iCloud Keychain is very good and secure. I use it in combination with Proton Pass. I use the paid version with double authentication.

 

[poopdookie]

Thanks @Back3 and @poopdookie, not familiar with Adguard for iOS so will definitely look into that ASAP - appreciate the pointers...

It is pretty nice, a mobile pihole so to speak. They added quic compatibility pretty "quic"kly, there are limitations on list size depending on what model iphone you use, OISD big might be too much for some iphones. The amount of data the apps send in the background is alarming for me. DNS Security Pro app does some of the same things, but you can add it as a DNS profile in iOS so it is always on even if Adguard Pro gets toggled off due to you connecting to another VPN or toggling off temporarily and forgetting to turn back on.

 

[Mycenius]

That behavior is quite strange

SIM pins usually only accepts 4 numbers I guess

Yeah I will recheck

Well it turned out it already had a PIN and I was having a moment so I managed to do too many tries trying to 'change' the PIN and locked the SIM down! But at least it was easy enough to unlock with the PUK I had and reset it. So all enabled now.

I have updated my spec to reflect.

 

[Mycenius]

Since your phone supports it, you should just switch to eSIM, it is much safer when talking about sim-jacking.

Yes good point @TairikuOkami, in fact I do already have one eSIM in it (it's my work number) as I run dual sims. Will look into it more.

FWIW originally my provider for my personal number didn't do eSIMs (as only 1 of the 3 main mobile telcos in NZ did), but that was when I got the iPhone 12 Pro Max which was 3 years ago now (Dec 2020) so would expect that has changed (at least I'd hope so)...

 

[Mycenius]

Apple iCloud Keychain is very good and secure. I use it in combination with Proton Pass. I use the paid version with double authentication.

Yes I used that previously but moved to 1Password about late 2019 as I wanted seamless transition between Apple & Microsoft environments. I previously used KeePass on PC separately from 1PW on iPhone & iPad (I had used KP for many years before I even had an iPhone). Once 1PW had a good Windows App and could use that seamlessly across iOS, macOS and Windows. I have been looking at Bitwarden also, as alternative but 1PW seems slightly better to me (and a bit slicker) at present despite cost and a couple of annoying minor issues. But I am due to re-evaluate soon.

I have had Proton Mail for a while but have only just started using Proton VPN and Proton Drive. I haven't looked at the Proton Pass at all so that may be an option going forward!

I did trial NordPass a year ago (as I was looking into using NordVPN) and although seemed okay had nothing unique or better compared to 1Password or Bitwarden at that time...

 

[Mycenius]

It is pretty nice, a mobile pihole so to speak. They added quic compatibility pretty "quic"kly, there are limitations on list size depending on what model iphone you use, OISD big might be too much for some iphones. The amount of data the apps send in the background is alarming for me. DNS Security Pro app does some of the same things, but you can add it as a DNS profile in iOS so it is always on even if Adguard Pro gets toggled off due to you connecting to another VPN or toggling off temporarily and forgetting to turn back on.

Thanks @poopdookie, will definitely dig into that more as soon as I can. Always keen to have more visibility on what's happening in the background on any device ...