A nasty web page is making rounds, crashing Safari browsers for Apple users. Apple is aware of the problem and is now working on a fix.
The web page in question is called Crash Safari. As Tech Times previously reported, Crash Safari uses JavaScript to put Safari into a loop, crashing the browser on Macs and causing iPhones and iPads to reboot.
This whole Crash Safari fiasco fired up the Internet, with pranksters sending the link to unsuspecting Apple users only to crash their browsers and mess with their devices.
Apple is apparently aware of the issue - both the web page and the code behind it - and is working on a fix, iMore reports. For now, however, all users can do is avoid the crash code altogether until Apple actually issues that fix.
Because the Internet is full of pranksters, the Crash Safari web page is already making some serious rounds, sometimes disguised in shortened URLs, social network redirects, and other links.
The following tips will help you avoid falling victim to this Crash Safari prank, as well as various phishing attacks that might come your way.
On iOS
Apple fans who use an iOS mobile device such as an iPhone or iPad can long press on a text link so they can see the whole URL before opening it. Touching and holding that link will allow them to see if the full URL leads to the Crash Safari black hole.
Extra care is recommended for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus users, who should take 3D Touch into account. Pressing hard enough will open the pressure-sensitive 3D Touch preview, which will execute the code and cause Safari to crash. Be careful how hard you press that text link.
On OS X
Mac users on Apple's OS X have an easier way of discovering the malicious Crash Safari web page before actually accessing it. Just hover over a text link and you will be able to see the entire URL. If it's a shortened URL and you're not sure about it, you can check it with online tools such as CheckShortURL to see where it leads.
General Tips
Whether you're using iOS or OS X, some general tips apply to prevent pranks such as Crash Safari or other scams that use nasty URLs to trick people.
First of all, avoid shortened links, especially when you don't know for sure where they actually lead. Either check them with the aforementioned tool or forget about them altogether, at least until Apple releases the Crash Safari fix.
Secondly, it's a good rule of thumb to avoid tapping or clicking on any link that looks suspicious. This applies to all links, not just the Crash Safari one.
It remains unclear just when exactly Apple will release a fix, but it should not be long now. In the meantime, take all necessary precautions to ensure you don't surf on any bad links and stay safe.
