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Phishing refers to fraudulent attempts to get personal information from you. Scammers use any means they can—spoofed emails and texts, misleading pop-up ads, fake downloads, calendar spam, even phony phone calls—to trick you into sharing information, such as your Apple ID password or credit card numbers.

If you receive a suspicious email that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, please forward it to reportphishing@apple.com.

Nothing is sure that apple.com website has been the vector attack. The problem could be coming from any tag, window or web pageyou opened using Interet Explorer. Given the warning message you got, I highly suspect your IE browser is vulnerable to a recent (July 2015) critical issue (Microsoft Security Bulletin MS15-065 - Critical) concerning IE versions through 6 to 11. Advanced Web Security. All deployment options—cloud, on premises, and hybrid—are built with the same web protection technology, so every path to the internet receives equal protection. Prevent Sophisticated Threats. Stop zero-day malware and targeted attacks that evade traditional defenses like URL filtering and antivirus signatures.

On your Mac, include more details by selecting the email and choosing 'Forward as Attachment' from the Message menu.

  1. McAfee Mobile Security is the ultimate protection for your mobile life that offers award-winning security and privacy protection for your mobile devices with three tiers to choose from based on your needs. Our mobile security product warns you about risky websites, phishing links and malicious apps so you can browse, shop and bank with confidence.
  2. On Apple platforms, a networking security feature called App Transport Security (ATS) improves privacy and data integrity for all apps and app extensions. It does this by requiring that network connections made by your app are secured by the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol using reliable certificates and ciphers.

How to avoid phishing and other scams

While browsing the web, if you see a message that your iPhone, Mac, or other Apple device has a virus, or someone claiming to be from Apple calls and asks for your account name and password, you’re likely the target of a scam. Here are some things you can do to avoid them.

  • Protect your Apple ID. Use two-factor authentication, always keep your contact information secure and up to date, and never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with anyone. Apple never asks for this information to provide support.
  • Learn how to identify legitimate Apple emails about your App Store or iTunes Store purchases.
  • Never use App Store, iTunes, and Apple Store Gift Cards to make other kinds of payments.
  • If you send or receive money with Apple Pay (U.S. only), treat it like any other private transaction.
  • Learn how to keep your Apple devices and data secure.
  • In general, never share personal information like credit card numbers, unless you can verify the recipient is who they claim to be.
  • Don't follow links or open or save attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages.
  • If you have any doubts about a request or communication, or even if you if you just need to update your information with a company, contact that company directly.


If you believe that your Apple ID has been compromised, or if you might have entered your password or other personal info on a scam website, change your Apple ID password immediately.

If you get a suspicious email or message

Scammers try to copy email and text messages from legitimate companies to trick you into giving them your personal information and passwords. These signs can help you identify scams:

  • The sender’s email or phone doesn’t match the name of the company that it claims to be from.
  • The email or phone they used to contact you is different from the one that you gave that company.
  • A link in a message looks right, but the URL doesn’t match the company’s website.*
  • The message looks significantly different from other messages that you’ve received from the company.
  • The message requests personal information, like a credit card number or account password.
  • The message is unsolicited and contains an attachment.

Please report suspicious emails and messages:

  • If you receive a phishing email that's designed to look like it’s from Apple, send it to reportphishing@apple.com. If you forward a message from Mail on your Mac, include the header information by selecting the message and choosing Forward As Attachment from the Message menu.
  • To report spam or other suspicious emails that you receive in your iCloud.com, me.com, or mac.com Inbox, send them to abuse@icloud.com.
  • To report spam or other suspicious messages that you receive through iMessage, tap Report Junk under the message. You can also block unwanted messages and calls.

If your web browser displays annoying pop-ups

While browsing the web, if you see a pop-up or alert that offers you a free prize or warns you about a problem with your device, don't believe it. These types of pop-ups are usually fraudulent advertisements, designed to trick you into giving the scammer personal information or money.

Don't call the number or follow the links to claim the prize or fix the problem. Ignore the message and simply navigate away from the page or close the entire window or tab.

If you're prompted to download software

Use extreme caution if you download content from the internet. Some downloads found on the internet may not contain the software they claim to, or may contain software that you didn't expect or want. This includes apps that ask to install configuration profiles that can then control your device. If installed, unknown or unwanted software may become intrusive and annoying and could even damage your Mac and steal your data.

To avoid unwanted, fake, or malicious software, install software from the App Store or get it directly from the developer's website. Learn how to safely open software on your Mac or remove unwanted configuration profiles from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

If you get a suspicious phone call or voicemail

Scammers may spoof legitimate company phone numbers and use flattery and threats to pressure you into giving them information, money, and even iTunes gift cards. If you get an unsolicited or suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be from Apple, just hang up.

You can report fraudulent tech support calls to the Federal Trade Commission (U.S. only) at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or to your local law enforcement agency.

If you accepted a suspicious Calendar invitation

If you get an unwanted or suspicious calendar invitation in Mail or Calendar, you can report it as Junk in iCloud.

To delete an invitation that you already accepted, tap the event, then tap Decline or Delete Event. If you unintentionally subscribed to a calendar you didn't want, open the Calendar app, tap Calendars and look for an unknown or suspicious calendar. Tap the calendar, then scroll down and tap Delete Calendar.

*To confirm the destination of a link on your Mac, hover your pointer over the link to see the URL. If you can't see the URL in the status bar in Safari, choose View > Show Status Bar. On your iOS device, touch and hold the link.

A web browser is a standard application on every mobile phone, PC, and laptop for accessing the Internet. Be it a home user or a business owner; web browsers are the most common gateways for hackers to get into your system and hack your data. In this ultimate guide, I'll be covering steps on how to secure web browsing in most used web browsers around the world.

But first, let me tell you why.

Many web browsers like Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and others come loaded with tons of features. However, they may compromise the security that is essential for secure web browsing.

Ignoring to take the necessary steps to protect your web browser is a mistake every user is guilty of making at least once. These vulnerable web browsers are always the prime focus of software attacks by using malicious and compromised websites.

And, it gets even worse. Using apple wireless keyboard with windows.

There are a lot of factors in play here that contribute to the vulnerability of web browsers.

Browsing Security Settings

Some of these factors include:

  • Most Internet users tend to click on links without considering the risk it may pose.
  • Web page URLs can be masked to resemble secure sites. As an example, hsbc.com may be visible as hs6c.com. In a hurry, you may not notice the minute details, and this fake site will steal your financial credentials.
  • Often third-party software do not receive the necessary automatic updates.
  • Many users don't know how to browse the Internet securely.
  • Most websites ask you to download third-party add-ons or applications for full functionality. In addition to being risky, it may also attack your system with malware.
  • Add-ons like ActiveX, Javascript, Java pose a threat to your system as they are vulnerable to malicious attacks.

Given these points above, it becomes necessary to learn how to secure web browsing to keep yourself and sensitive information securely over the Internet.

In this ultimate guide to secure web browsing, I'll be covering the following sections:

Now, let's get started.

1. Web Browser Features & The Associated Risks

Your web browser is the window through which hackers try to peek in and steal sensitive information like your data, bank account details, credit card details, etc.

Many surveys conducted have resulted that web browsers pose a massive risk where your web security is concerned. Consider this a low-cost method used by attackers to hack into your system. They may do so by injecting a trojan virus into your system or use spyware methods to take control of your information.

In this section, I'll cover various features of a web browser and their associated risks for better understanding and configuration of your web browser for a safe and secure web browsing experience.

Let's begin

If you're familiar with the technology, you'll know. ActiveX has now become an obsolete technology that is hardly ever used nowadays. Earlier, ActiveX was used to run applications or in-part some applications on your web browser. This functionality of traditional web browsers but in return increased the number of vulnerabilities for naive users.

If you're a Windows user, read this part.

Most Windows applications will install ActiveX tools even you never use them. One major problem with using ActiveX is how it increases your PCs possibility of an attack by 110%. It comes preinstalled with browsers like Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer.

Here's my tip:

Just deactivate ActiveX and enable it only for websites that are highly-secure and cannot do without it.

A programming and scripting language, JavaScript is used to improve the functionality and responsiveness of a website. Most banner advertisements, annoying pop-up ads and many other spam elements you see on the web page appear with the help of JavaScript.

Let me quickly brief you the problems JavaScript and other scripting languages bring in your system:

  1. Cross-Site Scripting: Also called XSS, this is a serious vulnerability in your web browser that can help the attacker to misuse the trust you may have with few sites you frequently visit.
  2. Cross-Domain Vulnerabilities: Many web browsers have implemented security models as a part of secure web browsing mechanism to prevent certain scripts from running on selected domains.
    Scripting languages can be used to violate these security standards, and the attacker can get into your local machine to run commands without your knowledge.
  3. Evade AV: Scripting languages can be used to bypass the Antivirus and other Intrusion Detection system. It will give the hackers ample opportunity to get ahold of your system.

A simple suggestion: Disable JavaScript in your browser and enable it for selected secure sites that you need and know can't function without it, for ex: Youtube.

Apple Com Webbrowsing Security

​Now I am not talking about cookies that you eat per se.

In web browsers, cookies are small files that are stored to keep your information like usernames and passwords, web history and the sites you frequently visit.

Now in all browsers, by default cookies are enabled. However, you should know there are two types of cookies: First-party and third-party. While the site keeps first-party cookies, you visit to keep session log, and more. Third-party cookies are often used by advertisers to track your online behavior and choices.

As a thumb rule, always delete cookies and then disable cookies in your web browser settings to enjoy a secure web browsing.

Many times you may opt for third party plugins or browser extensions for increasing the functionality of your browser or perhaps to block irrelevant ads and pop-ups. Although they help you block ads, even these add-ons can increase the risk of malware and virus attacks on your system.

Now, let's get to our next section.

2. Settings To Secure Web Browsing for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Internet Explorer

In this section, I'll tell you how to secure web browsing by configuring your web browser with settings and options. This article will help you reduce the vulnerability of your web browser and ultimately have a safer browsing experience.

As an additional read, I'll also recommend reading about security and privacy settings of each of the browsers installed on your system for updated information. For your ease, I'll be sharing the tutorial links as well.

Let's start with Google Chrome

In the top right corner, select the three vertical dots from your Chrome Web browser. Now select Settings.

If it's your PC, you may have signed in Chrome. Click on: Sync.

Now from the list of options, go down to Encryption section. Now check Encrypt synced data with your own passphrase. Now enter your Passphrase and Enter it again to confirm, click on Save. This setting will add a double layer of protection to your data and auto-fill information.

Generally speaking, if a hacker gets his hands on your password, they won't be able to get your synced data without knowing the passphrase.

Now move to Advanced Settings option by clicking Advanced.

In the privacy section, do the following:

Check the option that says 'Send a 'Do not track' request with your browsing traffic.' Now, this is a small tweak, but it'll disable most websites from tracking your browser activity.

Under subsection Content Settings,

Click on Cookies and Enable 'Block third-party cookies'. Apple red mac.

Now go back to Content Settings and click on JavaScript and disable the Allowed Pathfinder: kingmaker mac os. button.

Now, this may cause you to remember a lot of your browser choices manually. But your attackers and annoying advertisers and spammers will not be able to snoop around for sensitive information.

It's all your choice!

Coming to Passwords and forms section, uncheck these two options:

Synth software for mac. Click on Autofill Settings and disable the On button.​

Go back and click on Manage Password and disable the On button.​

It is a highly recommended setting. It may cause you to enter the password every time you visit any site manually. But it will be worth the hassle as hackers won't find easy access to your passwords implementing it.

Now, from plug-ins section, select the option, Let me choose when to run plugin content. This action will allow you to be selective with the plugins you want to run on your browser.

For additional configuration options, you may visit the Google Chrome Help to learn about control of privacy and security in detail.

From your Safari Browser, select Preferences.

Now click Privacy. Select Cookies and Websites Data. Check option Always block. This action will let Safari know to not allow any website to keep track of your browsing activity or store any information. How much is minecraft pocket edition.

To remove already stored cookies and data. Click on Remove All Website Data.

You may want to do private browsing. Just click on File> New Private Window.

It is quite similar to the incognito window in Chrome. When you enter a private window in Safari, it doesn't keep track of your browsing history and also asks sites not to track you.

For additional settings, visit Safari Help here.

Are you a Firefox user?

Let's get your Firefox secure then.

Select the three vertical lines on the top right corner. Click Options.

In the General Section, Enable the radio button: Always ask me where to save files.

This action will avoid saving of any downloaded files onto the computer system without prior knowledge.

Now move to Privacy settings.

Security

The first option you'll see is Tracking. Click on the 'Manage your Do Not Track Settings.'

Now enable the option 'Always apply Do Not Track.' Click Ok.

In Security settings, check the following options:

  • Warn me when sites try to install add-ons
  • Block dangerous and deceptive content
  • Block dangerous downloads
  • Warn me about unwanted and uncommon software

These are just some of the ways to ensure secure browsing on Mozilla Firefox. To get into more details, visit Mozilla Support page and provide a safe browsing environment always.

Internet Explorer Settings for Secure Web Browsing

We rarely use Internet Explorer these days. However, if you're in love with Internet Explorer, you may visit Internet Explorer help page to learn more about configuring your web browser. Press F1 button to open help page. This action will prevent malicious hackers to get access to your browsing history and activities.

3. Add-ons / Browser Extensions Suggestions for Secure Web Browsing

As noted above, Browser add-ons or extensions are used to improve and enhance the functionality of existing web browsers. You may install these add-ons for an additional benefit.

1. AdBlock Plus

This is quite a popular browser add-on for disabling pop-ups and ads from appearing on your web browser. While you may select to disable JavaScript partially, this add-on will help to disappear annoying advertisements for a clean browsing experience.

It is another popular browser extension that blocks third-party cookies and browser activity tracking on every website you may visit.

I can't emphasize more about using HTTPS with every site URL. It ensures you are going to a secure site protected by SSL protocol on the web. This add-on implements HTTPs with every URL and website you'll visit on your browser.

4. General Tips and Hacks For Secure Web Browsing

Now, this is a common sense thing. An updated version of any software is improved to cover previous bugs and security loopholes. Your web browser is no exception. Always ensure that you have an up-to-date Web browser.

Additionally, make sure to update any browser extensions or add-ons that you are using as well.

Like you change your toothbrush every three months, remember to change your passwords as well. Passwords, as a rule, should be made using a combination of alphanumeric keys and symbols.

Changing passwords frequently and using different passwords for all your email accounts reduce the chances of being attacked and compromising all your data at once.

An antivirus can detect any possible vulnerabilities and attack points in your web browser and system. It works by detecting 'bad patterns' and preventing them from accessing your data or blocking them altogether.

Invest in a quality antivirus for your system to limit the possibilities of an attack on your system.

Internet Browsing Security

4. Avoid using Public Networks or Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Apple Com Web Browsing Security Software

Public networks or Wi-fi service that is available for free at many cafes and restaurants are the prime targets for hackers looking to get just a sneak-peak of vulnerable points of attack on your device.

Restrain from using these public networks to access sensitive information like net banking. And if you must, use private browsing for a layer of security.

Web Browsing Protection

Final Words on How you can Secure your Web Browsing

Which is the most secure web browser on the market? Answering it can be quite challenging and biased if I must say. However, with the advancement in technology and programming languages, the risks associated with using the Internet have also vastly increased.

While nobody guarantees a 100% safe browsing, these tips can help you attain a pretty close level of security on your web browsers for secure web browsing.

Did this article assist you? Or have I missed an important tweak?

Help others by sharing your opinions and suggestions in the comment section below.





Apple Com Webbrowsing Security
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