VK privacy settings on iPhone: Relaxed level

What for: So you don’t get hacked.

If you use a short and simple password for your VK account, cybercriminals can hijack your account. To avoid getting hacked, use a strong password that:

• Is at least 8 characters long;
• Contains lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters ($, @, etc.);
• Is not an actual word or easy-to-guess phrase;
• Is not the same as your passwords for any other accounts, including your Apple ID password;
• Does not consist of information that strangers could easily find out (your name, date of birth, pet's name, and so forth — or those of your friends or relatives).

To change the password:

1. Tap on your profile picture in the upper left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings in the drop-down list;
3. Select Manage VK Connect Account in the upper part of the screen;
4. Go to Security and login section;
5. Select Password;
6. Enter the current password for your account, then enter the new password twice and tap OK.

What for: So you definitely don’t get hacked.

You can increase the security of your account by enabling 2-step verification. Then, every time you log in to your account, VK will prompt you to enter a one-time code received via text message or through a special app. Even if cybercriminals get hold of your username and password, they will not be able to log in to your account without this code. To enable two-factor authentication:

1. Tap on your profile picture in the upper left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings in the drop-down list;
3. Select Manage VK Connect Account in the upper part of the screen;
4. Go to Security and login section;
5. Select Set up in the Protect profile section;
6. Enter your current password and tap Confirm;
7. Tap Call me and make a mental note of the last four digits of the number of the incoming call;
8. Enter them in the relevant field;
9. Remember to save the backup codes that can be used for account login if your mobile device becomes unavailable. Store these codes in a safe place.

By default, two-factor authentication by text message (SMS) is enabled. A text message with the code can be intercepted by malware, which is why using a two-factor authentication app is a safer option. To do so, under 2-step verification locate the Code-generating app item, tap Start setup, and follow the instructions.

What for: So Facebook does not know where you go.

VK gathers your location data to geotag your posts and stories and configure recommendations and targeted ads. If you do not want to share your location, you can stop the social network from accessing location data:

1. Tap on your profile picture in the upper left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings in the drop-down list;
3. Go to the App Settings section;
4. Tap Location and select Never.

What for: To get rid of unpleasant people in the virtual space.

To stop a specific user from viewing your wall, replying to your comments, or sending you private messages, you can blacklist this user.

To block a user:

1. Go to the profile of the user you wish to block;
2. Tap the three dots button in the upper right corner of the screen;
3. Select Block.

The user will not be notified that you have blocked him. However, if the user tries to message or call you, he will see a message that you have blacklisted him.

To remove a user from the black list:

1. Tap on your profile picture in the upper left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings in the drop-down list;
3. Go to the Blocked section;
4. In the list find the profile of the relevant user and tap his or her name or profile photo;
5. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of the screen;
6. Select Unblock.

What for: To decide for yourself who can see what.

If you do not want to make your profile private, you can still configure the visibility of your publications, comments, audio files, photos, and other data.

You can choose who can view specific information in your profile:

1. Tap on your profile picture in the upper left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings in the drop-down list;
3. Go to the Privacy section. You will see a list of possible access settings:
4. Who can view the main information on my profile;
5. Who can view photos of me;
6. Who can view the Saved photos album;
7. Who can view my list of groups;
8. Who can view my music;
9. Who can view my gifts;
10. Who can view my photos' location tags;
11. Who can view my hidden friends;
12. Who can view other users’ posts and comments on my wall;
13. Who can view comments on my posts;
14. Who can view my stories;
15. Who can reply to my stories with stories;
16. Who can give feedback on my stories;
17. Tap the items in the list one at a time and choose a group of users for each item. All or some of the following options are available for various items:
18. All users;
19. Friends of friends;
20. All friends;
21. Certain friends;
22. Only me;
23. Some items contain the Forbidden section. In this section, you can select Add Friends and Lists and check friends or groups of friends who will not have access to your content. For example, you can grant access to other people’s posts on your wall to all friends except those on the “Colleagues” list.

The number of available visibility options depends on whether your profile is public or private.

What for: To decide for yourself what you want to be distracted by.

By default, VK displays push notifications about different profile activities — from private messages to likes and game invitations. You can limit the list of notifications that get displayed and specify if you want them to be accompanied by sound, vibration, or flashing of the indicator light:

1. Tap on your profile picture in the upper left corner of the screen;
2. Select Settings in the drop-down list;
3. Go to the Notifications section;
4. Select the type of event;
5. Select None in the Show notifications section if you do not want to see notifications about this activity.