Apple’s default web browser on iPhone or iPad is Safari, but have you ever taken the time to investigate its many hidden features and settings? We are going to concentrate on three features regarding security, privacy and the new start page. You may be amazed at what you find, at least we were.
With iOS or iPadOS 14 and higher, Safari has a few new tricks up its sleeve, including privacy reports, and password monitoring. Let’s explore three hidden features.
This is for the iPhone and iPad
Your Privacy Report
Cross-site trackers monitor your web-based activities as you surf from one site to another, an activity that can certainly raise privacy concerns. Safari blocks such trackers from profiling you by default, and now allows you to see which sites and trackers are blocked.
First, to check your Privacy Report, tap the aA icon in upper left-hand corner of a website. Next, tap Privacy Report. Refer to below image:
Now, your report will open. See below image:
In my Privacy Report, I have 164 trackers with 78% of visited websites with trackers.
Next, click the Show More link to learn more about the cross-site tracking and how Apple blocks them and to read about trackers. The window reveals how many trackers were prevented from profiling you and how many sites contacted such trackers. See following image:
Let’s go back one screen and tap the Show Less link. Now, scroll down till you see two tabs. Websites and Trackers tabs. Refer to below image:
Next, tap on a Website to see which trackers were blocked. See below image:
In my example, I selected Microsoft.com. Yes, even Microsoft has trackers. You may be alarmed at the number and percentage of trackers wanting to profile you, especially if you access Safari a lot. Your device is blocking them.
You may tap on the Trackers link to see a list of trackers. See following image:
My son works for a cyber security firm. He helps recover “hacked” devices. If a person wants to “hack” your device, with the proper tools, they can. The best you can do, is to “protect” your device. by using security features on your device and apps, having strong passwords, using multi factor authentication, and the like.
Your iCloud Passwords
On your iPhone or iPad, you can now see any passwords saved in the iCloud Keychain that has been leaked in a data breach, are being reused for multiple login credentials, or are considered weak.
First, launch Settings (the gear icon). Refer to below image:
Now, scroll down to the Passwords option and tap it. See below image:
Next, tap the Security Recommendations option. See following image:
Now, you can tap a specific entry to delete or change the password. You may be surprised by passwords you have forgotten. Apple has provided a link to access the website for updating these passwords. In my example, I have one High Priority password that I need to change; one that I had forgotten about. The password for PayPal website has been erased for privacy purposes. Refer to below image:
Your New Start Page
Safari debuted a new Start page with the release of iOS/iPadOS 13. Open a new tab by taping the plus “+” button at the bottom of your screen. See below image:
Now, you will see your bookmarks, frequently visited sites, and Siri suggested sites. Tap the Show More or Show Less link in the upper right to see more or fewer icons. See following image:
Using SpeedTest
Althrough not a feature of privacy in Safari, you may want to know about the speed of your ISP for downloads and uploads. This tool is best used for a PC or Mac. Simply, head over to SpeedTest in your browser for your ISP speeds. Next, click the big round GO button. When it is finished, you will see your results like the image below:
You can click the GO button again to rerun the test. Your results will differ depending on the time of day and Internet traffic. The firm, Ookla, has specific apps for your operating system that you can download and use.
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