Safari & Privacy

System Settings > Privacy & Security

Review each category and remove apps that don't need access:

Permission	Who Should Have It
Location Services	Maps, Weather, Find My: not random apps
Camera	Video call apps only (Zoom, FaceTime)
Microphone	Video call and voice recording apps only
Full Disk Access	Backup tools, antivirus: be very selective
Accessibility	Window managers (Rectangle), automation tools: be selective
Screen Recording	Only apps that genuinely need it (Zoom, OBS)
Files and Folders	Review carefully. Deny if you don't recognize the app.

App Tracking

System Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking

Turn off "Allow apps to request to track." This prevents apps from tracking you across other apps and websites.

Safari Privacy

Safari has strong built-in privacy features:

• Intelligent Tracking Prevention: On by default. Blocks cross-site trackers.
• Privacy Report: Click the shield icon in the address bar to see what's been blocked.
• Hide IP Address: Safari > Settings > Privacy > Hide IP address from trackers.
• Private Browsing: Cmd + Shift + N opens a private window. History, cookies, and data are cleared when you close it.

Recommended Extensions

Extension	What It Does
AdGuard	Blocks ads and trackers
1Blocker	Content blocker and privacy tool

iCloud Security

iCloud Private Relay

Available with iCloud+ ($0.99/mo or higher). Hides your IP address and encrypts Safari traffic through two separate relays. Not a full VPN, but great for everyday browsing privacy.

Advanced Data Protection

System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection

Enables end-to-end encryption for most iCloud data (backups, photos, notes, and more). With this on, even Apple can't read your data. Recommended if you have a recovery contact or recovery key set up.