Protection is more than physical. The software side is just as important as the hardware side -- perhaps even more, since most of the data is synced up with Apple ID accounts in the cloud. Just like how in the real world you’d want both locks on the door and an alarm system, protecting both the physical and digital aspects of your new iPhone are critical.

Let's take a closer look at how to protect your iPhone -- in all aspects.

The answer to that is both yes and no. With the launch of Clips, Apple has made a move to establish themselves as a key social media player. The most surprising part? This step into the social media space will happen without the company building its own social media platform.

#1 iPhone Cases

On its own, the iPhone is a slick-looking piece of technology. Its simple-yet-stunning design falls in line with the aesthetic Apple has been cultivating for decades. It is, however, not exactly the sturdiest design. This is through no fault of its own -- the vulnerabilities that plague iPhones are pretty much the same with other smartphones. So, how do you handle this? The simple solution is a case for your iPhone.

There are a range of cases available for your iPhone depending on your budget and protection needs. For just a few dollars, you can get a baseline silicone case. This adds some level of impact protection and also keeps the glass a few millimeters away from the impact edge, so if your iPhone falls straight down, the glass won't get hit. Cases can go way more robust, essentially building armor around your device, even to a waterproof level (as you can imagine, these are a bit bulky and not exactly nice to look at). Most people will go with something in between, with a case that offers a little more protection but is also nice to look at.

#2 Glass Protectors

When smartphones first hit the scene about a decade ago, glass protectors were one of the first lines of defense against damage. Early adopters of the iPhone and competing Android models told horror stories of dropping their device and having the glass crack, creating a spiderweb of damage on their device. This prompted some creative MacGyver-esque fixes, such as putting a piece of packing tape over the glass to keep it functional, yet safely together.

Glass protectors soon hit the market. These adhesive layers simply stuck to the device's screen and offered impact protection -- and if the glass did crack (or was already cracked), the adhesion would hold things in place.

Today, Apple's sourcing uses a stronger type of glass that renders old-school adhesives like this somewhat unnecessary. However, it is still ultimately another layer of protection against direct impact on your glass. Really expensive glass protectors probably aren't necessary, especially if you've got a case, but spending a few extra dollars to be the first line of defense isn't a bad idea.

#3 Find My iPhone

The Find My iPhone app is a good piece of protection against both physical theft and Apple ID hacks. This free app does a number of things if you can't find your iPhone through the combination of your iCloud account and your iPhone's GPS.

This starts by installing the app as soon as you get your iPhone, since there's no way to do it retroactively once your phone goes missing. When you realize your device is missing, either get to a web browser or another iOS device with the same app installed. However you login, go to the Find iPhone feature and activate it. This will cause every device linked to the account to ping via GPS for a location. You can check them all or select a specific device.

If your device is located, it'll display a map with information and details. From here, you have a few options, from playing a sound (if it's in a couch cushion) to locking your device.

If you feel your iPhone is in the wrong hands and you aren’t going to be able to recover it, you can wipe its memory and configuration (and if you want to send a message to the perpetrator, you can have your missing phone display that as well). On the chance you do recover it, you’ll be able to restore settings and content sync through iCloud.

#4 Use a Passphrase

Digit-based passcodes have become ubiquitous with smartphones. These are easy to remember, and if you’re like most people, the act of inputting a digit passcode is almost like muscle memory.

However, while there is some measure of security due to the length of the standard default six-digit length (as opposed to four-digit ones used many other places; tangent: it is possible to revert back to four digits on iOS if you really want to, though we don’t recommend it), it presents a number of risks.

Six-digit passcodes can usually be brute-forced in a matter of hours, if not minutes (brute-force attacks are processes where bots attempt to hack into your system through sheer volume of different number combinations).

Enter passphrases -- the ability to use numbers, letters, symbols, and case-sensitive characters as a phrase. Passphrases are much harder to break into, and at a certain length, become virtually impossible to brute-force into. Remember that each additional digit on your passphrase increases the number of possible passwords exponentially. At some point, the sheer volume of options means that it just takes too much time to brute force into.

In terms of practical usage, the variation of letters and numbers and symbols, along with case sensitivity, makes it hard for someone physically watching you input your passphrase to actually track it. To change your iOS login from a standard six-digit passcode to a unique passphrase, open your Settings and go to General > Touch ID and Passcode. Open up Change Passcode and tap Passcode Options. The Custom Alphanumeric Code option enables this feature, instantly securing your system.

Of course, these passphrases are much more difficult to remember, so we recommend these handy tips in creating a memorable-but-secure-passphrase.

#5 Two-Factor Authentication

No matter how complex your custom passphrase is, it still may not match the level of security provided by two-factor authentication. (Though ideally, using both is the best way to go.) Even if you don’t know what two-factor authentication is, there’s a good chance you’re already using it.

Two-factor authentication means verifying an account across two devices. In most cases, many banks and financial institutions now use this for accessing your account -- if you’ve ever entered a password and then received a text with a secondary access code, that’s two-factor authentication. This method is extremely effective for securing against theft or hacking because it requires having physical access to multiple devices.

In the Apple world, this requires an iOS devices or a Mac, and the goal is really more about securing your Apple ID. When signing into a new device for the first time, your login process will require two items. First, your password -- which should be the secure custom passphrase discussed above. Second, the new six-digit verification code made available through an already-trusted iOS device/Mac.

Unlike traditional two-factor authentication seen on websites which tend to be cookie-based, Apple ID two-factor authentication only executes on the start of a new device unless you A) completely sign out of the device or B) change your password.

So while this helps against someone hacking your Apple ID, it still leaves you vulnerable to someone physically stealing your iPhone. To activate two-factor authentication on your Apple ID, go to Settings and tap on your name. This will bring up Apple ID options; simply toggle two-factor authentication to enable or disable it.

Introducing Monowear iPhone Cases

Monowear is known for its combination of sleek design, quality materials, and strong craftsmanship for Apple Watch bands. Recently, Monowear expanded into developing iPhone cases. These cases hit that sweet spot between baseline cases that provide rudimentary protection and hardcore mega-case protection:

• Quality Materials: Monowear protects iPhones with a rubberized polycarbonate shell featuring a rubberized coating for easy and comfortable grip. The main body uses genuine leather, just like the Apple Watch bands.
• Beautiful Design: Available in a variety of colors, Monowear's leather iPhone cases hit the same level of style and quality as Monowear's Apple Watch bands -- sleek and sophisticated, yet beautifully simple.
• Screen Protection: The frame is designed with raised edges to protect screens from any direct impact.

Monowear iPhone cases won’t help you much from the software side of things -- cases won’t connect with iCloud or backup your content. However, for an iPhone case that is as functional as it is attractive, Monowear’s signature style and craftsmanship deliver protection and a stunning look, all at an affordable price.