Please be aware that while convenient, technology can put your privacy and safety at risk. Your computer hard drive has the ability to record every action you make on the computer and the internet so use caution when using the computer. It isn’t necessary to be a computer expert to track someone’s computer activities – anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor a person’s online activities.
Computers can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the Internet, the e-mails you send, and other related activities. It is not possible to delete or clear all computer “footprints”. Footprints are computer files such as cookies, Internet history, deleted files, temporary Internet files, as well as other files often hidden from plain view.
While not comprehensive nor exclusive, the following is a list of actions you can take to increase your technological safety:
Precautions you can take when using the computer/internet:
- Use a “safer” computer that affords you more privacy than your home computer. Safer computers can be found in the library, an internet café, or at a friend’s house that you trust.
- Don’t share your internet passwords. However, if you believe your abuser knows your password, before changing it, consider whether that may cause more danger by arousing suspicion.
- Passwords should be difficult to figure out. Don’t use significant markers such as birth dates, street addresses, names etc. that are easy for someone to guess.
- Use caution when trying to clear your history on your computer. A completely cleared history may arouse an abuser’s suspicion.
- Don’t register your personal information i.e.) your real address or phone number, when you sign up for an online service or web e-mail accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail.
*In addition, remember email is not a secure or confidential method of communication and as such, DVRC will not respond to requests for help via email. If you would like to discuss your situation or if you have questions, we encourage you to call our hotline.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
This information on Technology safety was adapted from www.nyscadv.org
