Secure Safari: How to Stay Safe Using Apple’s Browser


secure safari

It’s the second most popular web browser in the world, but it doesn’t mean that you are fully protected from online security hazards.

Sure, Apple has done their utmost to secure Safari, and for all intents and purposes, they have done a very good job. There is some onus on the user themselves to fine-tune certain settings though.

Particularly with the advantages of mobile banking and other sensitive tasks on your browser, there really isn’t a better time to make sure that your personal data is protected when it comes to Safari. Let’s now take a look at some of the ways in which you can do this.

Take note of the Fraudulent Sites option

secure safari option

Out of all of the features that are embedded into Safari, it could be argued that the Fraudulent Sites option is one of the best. This has proven to be a masterstroke from Apple and quickly allows Safari to judge whether or not a site is safe or not.

So, how does it do this? It checks a database of blacklisted sites (coincidentally is supplied by Google), which it doesn’t recommend that you visit for security purposes. When you turn this feature on (by checking the “Fraudulent Sites: Warn when visiting a fraudulent website.” box in settings), you will be greeted with a warning message if you try and access one of these websites.

Block popups as standard

They are generally merely annoying, but in some cases, popups can prompt much bigger problems. Lingering in the background, when they have opened under your main window, they can deliver malware and all sorts of other online nasties to your Mac.

Perform a plugin audit

Most of us download plugins without really thinking about it. However, every so often you should audit them to make sure they really should be installed on your device. You’ll quickly find that you will have forgotten about some and they probably can’t be trusted.

This is one step which can’t be performed through Safari directly. This time, you will need to access your Finder, navigate to Library and then Internet-Plugins.

Don’t allow access to your camera and microphone

Sure, there will be some instances where you might need to give Safari access to your camera and microphone. If you are the type of person who regularly uses a conferencing facility, you will fall into this category.

However, this should be performed on an ad-hoc basis. In other words, it should be turned off as standard. Only turn it on when you really need it, or you might be opening yourself to a whole host of security loopholes. For example, somebody might be able to access your webcam, and suddenly start recording all of the keys that you use on your computer. Suffice to say, when passwords come into the equation, this is asking for trouble.


Kossi Adzo

Kossi Adzo is a technology enthusiast and digital strategist with a fervent passion for Apple products and the innovative technologies that orbit them. With a background in computer science and a decade of experience in app development and digital marketing, Kossi brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the Apple Gazette team.

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