Is Facetime Safe, Private and Secure?
By Jessica RegheliniUpdated on March 14, 2022
Before you start using a new app, or if you’ve already started with one, you may want to do some research regarding how safe, private, and secure it is. If you’re curious about the safety of FaceTime, you’re in luck.
In this article, we’ll tell you about the safety, privacy, and security for the app, to help you decide if you can feel safe while using it.
How safe is FaceTime?
FaceTime is safe to use, as the app uses end-to-end encryption so that nobody can join or listen-in on your conversation, except for you and the person you’re calling; this means that people can’t hack into your call either. If you’re only talking to people you already know and trust, you’ll be safe.
Is FaceTime private?
FaceTime is private because your calls are protected using end-to-end encryption, so there is no way someone outside of your call (potential hackers) could access your call. Calls are not recorded, and no part of your calls are sent to or stored by Apple. Only you and the person you call can join the call.
Is FaceTime secure?
FaceTime is secure because all calls are encrypted, and aren’t recorded. A unique ID is created by Apple for each user to make sure that the calls are properly routed and connected. The app itself is secure, but ensuring you use a secure Internet connection will add to your security.
Check out our Wi-Fi course and Internet safety tips to learn how to improve your home Internet security.
Although FaceTime is safe, secure, and private, there are a few other things you can do to improve your safety. Here are a few helpful tips.
4 FaceTime safety tips
1. Only answer FaceTime calls from people you know and trust.
If you receive a call from a number or email address you don’t recognize, don’t answer it. You should only answer calls from people you know and trust. Even a friend could be recording your call, so be sure you’re FaceTiming with those you’re close to.
2. Always use a secure and private Internet connection when making calls.
Although the app itself is safe and secure, ensuring your device is connected to a secure network will only increase your safety and security. Use your home Internet network or your mobile device’s data connection rather than public free Internet if you’re not sure how secure the network is.
3. Secure your device and control who has access to it.
To ensure that no calls are made using your device without your consent, make sure that nobody has access to your device besides yourself. Consider adding a passcode to your device that only you know, so no one else can access it.
4. Make sure to enable two-step verification for your Apple ID.
Two-step verification requires the person signing in to verify their identity using an approved method, after entering the password. This means that even if your password is compromised, the person trying to sign in needs to possess another one of your devices to gain access. Check out this help guide from Apple to learn how to set this up!
Is FaceTime HIPAA compliant?
Yes, FaceTime can be HIPAA compliant due to the fact it is encrypted, and messages cannot be intercepted. However, the human component of FaceTime affects its compliance level, as those involved in the call can compromise the compliance, and software exists that can record FaceTime calls.
If you want to learn about this in more detail, check out this great article on FaceTime HIPAA compliance from LinkedIn Pulse. If you ever have an issue or want to report a complaint regarding HIPAA compliance, be sure to call them at 1-877-696-6775 or fill out the online complaint form here.
That’s everything you need to know about safety, security, and privacy. Did you find the information you’re looking for? If you have any questions, leave us a comment below. In our next article in the course, we’ll be telling you about FaceTime data usage, so be sure to click below and read more!