Mobile Browsing Security

Steps you can take to limit online tracking

What data is visible to third-parties when you are browsing the web?
- Visit: https://www.eff.org/pages/tor-and-https to learn more about what data is visible and how TOR and HTTPS conceals some of it from third-parties
How does your browser identify you on the web?
- Visit: https://panopticlick.eff.org/ to see how unique your browser is and how advertisers can use this information to track you across the web

Which mobile browser do you use and why? Are you happy with your mobile’s default browser? Let’s get to know it better. Have a look at the cookies that are currently stored on your browser. First, what are cookies? Cookies are files created by websites when you visit. They save information such as: browsing history, interactions with website elements, your preferences, your browser type, your location, etc.
- Safari (iOS 11): Open Settings > tap Safari > Advanced > Website Data
- Chrome for Android: open the Chrome app > tap More > Settings > Site Settings > Cookies
Adjust. The default browser settings usually reveal the most data about you. Explore the privacy settings of your browser and change them to levels you are comfortable with.
- Safari (iOS 11): Open Settings > tap Safari > scroll to Privacy & Security
- Chrome for Android: open the Chrome app > tap More > Settings > Site Settings.
  - Private browsing mode. Chrome and Safari have private browsing modes that do not save browsing history.
    - Safari (iOS 11): open Safari, then tap . Tap Private, then tap Done. While Private Browsing is on, Safari appears black or dark instead of white or gray.
    - Chrome for Android: open the Chrome app > tap More > New Incognito tab. Check for the Incognito icon

Now that you’ve gotten to know your data and adjusted your privacy settings, decide whether or not you need to keep those cookies.

Safari (iOS 11): Note: the steps below will close any websites open in Safari.
- To clear only cookies and keep your history, tap Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > Remove All Website Data.
- To clear your browsing history and cookies, tap Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Chrome for Android: open the Chrome app > tap More > Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time. Check "Cookies and site data" and any other items you want to remove. Tap “Clear data.”
Search engines. What is your browser’s default search engine? Did you know you can change it?
- Safari (iOS 11): Open Settings > tap Safari > Under “Search” tap Search Engine.
- Chrome for Android: open the Chrome app > tap More > Under "Basics," tap Search engine.
Alternatives. Have a look at some alternative browsers:
- iPhone: Firefox or Firefox Focus
- Android: Firefox, Firefox Focus, Orfox (requires Orbot)

8 Day Data Detox Kit by Tactical Tech: https://datadetox.myshadow.org/detox
Me & My Shadow: https://myshadow.org/
Surveillance Self Defense by the Electronic Frontier Foundation: https://ssd.eff.org/
Security in a Box: https://securityinabox.org/