As our dependence on the internet grows, our privacy and security become increasingly vulnerable. This is especially concerning as cyber threats and data breaches continue to rise, making it crucial to protect our personal information.
Shockingly, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are projected to increase by 15 percent annually over the next five years. By 2025, this could reach up to $10.50 trillion annually, up from $3 trillion in 2015.
Fortunately, for Mac users, Safari, the default web browser on Apple devices, offers a variety of privacy and security features to help keep your online activities secure.
In this article, we’ll explore the various privacy and security features Safari offers and how they function. By the end, you’ll better understand how to take advantage of these features and protect your personal information online. So, let’s dive in.
1. Privacy report
Safari’s Privacy Report gives users a comprehensive overview of blocked trackers. The report also indicates how many trackers were present on a given website and the type of data they were attempting to collect.
Additionally, the Privacy Report identifies any known trackers following the user across multiple websites. This information helps you identify which websites and third-party services pose a potential privacy threat and take appropriate measures to protect personal information.
2. Intelligent tracking prevention (ITP)
Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) is a privacy feature in Safari that blocks websites and third-party trackers from collecting users’ browsing data without their consent. It prevents advertisers from creating detailed profiles of users and targeting them with personalized ads.
ITP limits the duration of first-party cookies and separates browser cookies between sites to prevent tracking across multiple websites. Regular Safari updates are necessary to keep up with new tracking techniques and maintain user privacy.
3. Secure website connections
Safari prioritizes the security of users by ensuring that website connections are secure by default. Whenever you visit a website using Safari, the browser checks to ensure the website is using HTTPS encryption.
The encryption helps to protect your data from being intercepted or stolen by third parties who may try to eavesdrop on your connection. However, it’s worth noting that not all websites use HTTPS encryption.
Websites may still use HTTP, which is not encrypted and can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The good thing is that Safari will alert you whenever you visit such websites and provide you with the option to proceed or not.
4. Password monitoring
Safari’s Password Monitoring feature notifies users when one of their passwords has been compromised in a breach. This notification allows you to take immediate action to secure your accounts and prevent unauthorized access.
The feature is designed with privacy in mind, as passwords are checked against a database of known breaches. However, they’re never transmitted to Apple or any third party. The feature also uses end-to-end encryption to keep passwords and crucial information secure and private.
You can easily check for reused and compromised passwords in Safari’s settings. Additionally, users can turn password monitoring on or off and choose whether or not to receive alerts about potential breaches.
5. Private browsing mode
Safari’s private browsing mode is a powerful tool that allows users to maintain their online privacy and security. The feature allows you to create a temporary session, whether using a public computer or wanting to keep off prying eyes in your browsing activities.
With Safari’s private browsing mode, you can surf the web without worrying about anyone seeing your online activities. Besides, your personal information is kept safe from unauthorized access.
Moreover, private browsing mode can also be useful for web developers and testers who want to test their websites without their browsing data affecting the test results. It allows them to browse the web as a new user without any pre-existing cookies or browsing data.
Final thoughts
If your online privacy and security are of utmost importance, Safari is an exceptional choice for browsing the internet. As a top-tier web browser, it prioritizes user privacy and security, providing a plethora of built-in features that assist in keeping your online activities secure. With Safari’s various built-in features, users can browse the web confidently, knowing that their online privacy and security are safeguarded.