How to check if a website is safe in Safari?

Is That Website Safe? Safari’s Quick Security Checks

In today’s digital landscape, navigating the internet safely is paramount. While Safari boasts built-in security features, knowing how to actively check a website’s safety adds an extra layer of protection against phishing scams, malware, and other online threats. Fortunately, Safari offers a straightforward method to assess a website’s potential risks. While not a foolproof guarantee, it can provide valuable insight and help you make informed browsing decisions.

Here’s how to quickly check a website’s safety in Safari:

The “Scan Website” Feature (iOS and iPadOS 15 and later):

Apple introduced a dedicated website safety scanning feature in Safari 15 for iOS and iPadOS. This feature leverages Google Safe Browsing to assess potential threats. Here’s how to utilize it:

1. Open Safari and navigate to the website you want to check.
2. Tap the “aA” icon in the address bar. This is the website view options icon.
3. Scroll down the menu that appears.
4. Look for “Website Settings.” Tap it.
5. Within the Website Settings, you should see a section labeled “Privacy Report.”
6. Tap “Check Website Security.”

Safari will then query Google Safe Browsing and display a safety rating. While the specific wording may vary slightly, it will generally indicate whether the site is considered “Safe” or potentially “Dangerous.”

Important Considerations:

• This feature relies on Google Safe Browsing: While a valuable tool, it’s important to remember that no single security check is infallible. Google’s database is constantly updated, but new threats emerge regularly.
• The absence of a “Dangerous” flag doesn’t guarantee complete safety: A website might not be currently flagged by Google but could still pose risks. Exercise caution and be wary of suspicious links or requests for personal information.
• Consider other security indicators: Pay attention to the website’s URL (look for misspellings or unusual characters), check for a valid SSL certificate (look for the padlock icon in the address bar), and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
• Keep Safari updated: Ensuring you’re running the latest version of Safari is crucial for benefiting from the most up-to-date security patches and features.

By using the “Check Website Security” feature in conjunction with other cautious browsing practices, you can significantly enhance your online safety and protect yourself from potential threats while exploring the web with Safari.