Protecting Your Digital Privacy and Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

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Important Notice: If you’re concerned that someone may discover you’ve accessed this information, please read the safety guidance below carefully.

Understanding Digital Security Risks

This guide provides technical recommendations for securing your devices and those of your children. However, implementation timing depends entirely on your personal circumstances. For instance, changing passwords might alert someone when they attempt to log in, potentially escalating dangerous behavior.

Your safety comes first. Some measures may need to wait until you’re no longer in immediate danger or have left a threatening situation. While it’s natural to want to remove someone’s access or dispose of a device, strategic planning for your safety is essential.

For confidential support in developing a safety strategy, use a secure device to contact professional helplines. These services operate 24/7 and offer both phone and online chat options.

Basic Security Awareness

Without password protection on your computer, others may access your email (particularly if passwords are saved or you remain logged in) and monitor your browsing activity. Always properly log out of email by selecting File then Log out, rather than simply closing the window.

Please note: These precautions may not completely conceal your digital footprint. Most browsers feature tools that display recently visited websites, and sophisticated spyware can secretly track activity. The most secure option for accessing sensitive information is using a public computer at a library, friend’s residence, or workplace.

While these tips focus on technology safety, if you’re considering leaving a relationship, visit needpro.co.uk for comprehensive safety planning resources.

How Can Someone Monitor Your Internet Activity?

Internet browsers automatically store certain information as you navigate online, including website images, search engine queries, and a browsing history revealing visited sites. Follow the instructions below to reduce the likelihood of someone discovering your website visits.

Identifying Your Browser

If unsure which browser you’re using, click the button with three dots (ellipsis) at the top right corner of your screen. A dropdown menu appears—select the option beginning with “Help,” then another dropdown will show an entry like “About Google Chrome,” “About Microsoft Edge,” or “About Safari,” indicating your browser type.

Alternatively, visit “What’s My Browser” to identify your browser automatically.

Private Browsing Mode

All major browsers offer “private browsing” that stores nothing about your activity on your computer within that session. While online services can still see your activity, it leaves no traces on your device—no history, cache, or other evidence.

Important consideration: If someone monitors your browsing history and knows you were online at specific times, maintaining a visible history of non-sensitive browsing can be protective.

Browser-Specific Instructions:

  • Internet Explorer: Tools (gear icon) → Safety → “InPrivate Browsing” or press Ctrl + Shift + P (Note: We recommend switching to a modern browser as Internet Explorer is outdated)
  • Firefox: Menu button (three horizontal lines) → “New Private Window” or Ctrl + Shift + P
  • Chrome: Menu button (three vertical dots) → “New Incognito Window”
  • Microsoft Edge: Menu button (three dots) → “New InPrivate Window” or Ctrl + Shift + N
  • Safari: Click the overlapping squares icon (bottom right) → tap the number of open tabs → select “Private”

After private browsing, verify nothing was stored by following deletion steps below.

Deleting Browsing History

Browsers maintain records of all visited pages. To delete this history:

  • Press Ctrl + H to access history
  • Find entries for sites you’re concerned about
  • Right-click and select Delete
  • You can delete individual entries or clear history for specific time periods

Important: Search engines may separately record your searches even after browser history deletion. Adjust search engine settings:

  • Google: View activity, delete searches, enable extra verification, or stop activity recording
  • Bing: Clear search history
  • Yahoo: Access history page to delete or disable search history

Toolbar Search History

Toolbars like Google and Yahoo record search terms entered. For Google toolbar, click the Google icon and select “Clear Search History.” Check individual toolbar instructions for others.

Exit Site Button

The Exit Site button on needpro.co.uk quickly hides the page, but you must still delete your browsing history.

Administrator Accounts

If someone else has an administrator account on your computer (the highest permission level), they have enhanced monitoring capabilities. This often applies when someone else purchased, configured, or maintains the device.

Windows: Settings → Accounts → Your Info tab (check for “Administrator” under your account name)

Mac: Apple menu → System Preferences → Users & Groups (check if “Admin” appears below your account name)

If you’re not the administrator, avoid safety planning or accessing sensitive accounts on that computer.

Securing Online Accounts

Email Protection

Email security is critical as it provides access to all other account passwords, banking details, and calendars. Your email password should be unique and strong (three random words work well). Consider using a password manager and enabling two-step verification.

Check for automatic email forwarding:

  • Gmail
  • Outlook/Hotmail
  • iCloud
  • Yahoo
  • AOL

If you receive threatening or harassing emails, save or print them as evidence. Screenshot emails when safe to do so.

Remember: Emails remain in Sent Items, unfinished messages stay in Drafts, and replies contain original message text. When deleting emails, remember to empty the Deleted Items folder separately.

Social Media Security

Facebook:

  • Blocking someone prevents them from searching for your profile
  • Review logged-in devices and log out everywhere except your current device
  • Disable location tracking
  • Use Security Checkup for alerts and two-factor authentication
  • Use Privacy Checkup to control who sees your information
  • Control who can comment on public posts
  • Enable timeline review to approve tags before they appear

Instagram:

  • Set up two-factor authentication
  • Manually approve tags in posts
  • Control who can tag or mention you
  • Block accounts and pre-emptively block new accounts they may create
  • Mute or restrict users without blocking
  • Report problematic content
  • Filter offensive words from comments and messages
  • Use Sensitive Content Control
  • Screenshot messages as they can be “unsent”

WhatsApp:

  • Enable two-step verification
  • Lock app with biometric authentication
  • Control who sees your online/last seen status
  • Block and report unwanted contacts
  • Manage group privacy settings
  • Check linked devices (Settings → Linked Devices)
  • Disable read receipts
  • Use Privacy Checkup tool
  • Screenshot messages before they’re deleted

TikTok:

  • Make account private
  • Control video visibility and who can message/comment
  • Filter and delete comments
  • Block accounts or remove followers
  • Control who views liked videos
  • Disable video downloads
  • Manage Duet and Stitch permissions
  • Report problematic content
  • Untag yourself and limit tagging

Snapchat:

  • Adjust privacy settings for contacts, stories, and location
  • Remove or block friends
  • Enable Ghost Mode to hide location
  • Share location only with select friends
  • Leave group chats
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Report abuse

Twitter:

  • Mute or block accounts
  • Report abusive behavior
  • Protect tweets (make account private)
  • Report impersonation accounts
  • Disable location settings

Threads:

  • Linked to Instagram account
  • Set to private profile
  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
  • Disable precise location
  • Block, restrict, or report profiles
  • Add hidden words to filter replies

Discord, BeReal, Messenger: Each platform offers blocking, reporting, privacy controls, and two-factor authentication options.

Location Tracking Management

Mobile Devices

Disable location tracking on your device (though this affects apps like maps). Guides available for Apple and Android devices. Also disable location on photos—mobile photos often include geo-tags showing where they were taken.

Control Google location settings: turn off location history and reporting, edit or delete location history.

Social Media Location Settings

Turn off location tracking in:

  • Facebook
  • Find My Friend
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • BeReal

Even without completely disabling tracking, switch from “Precise Location” to approximate area for added safety.

Fitness Trackers and Smart Watches

Ensure routes aren’t shared publicly, as this reveals where you’ve been. Adjust settings on:

  • Strava
  • Garmin
  • Fitbit
  • Apple Watch

Vehicle Tracking

  • Clear built-in satnav history (check manual)
  • Delete recent directions from Google Maps or iPhone Maps
  • Manage companion apps (like FordPass Connect or Apple Wallet)
  • Consult dealerships or mechanics about checking for hidden tracking devices

Other Tracking Devices

Small tracking devices can be concealed in everyday objects like chargers or toys. Bluetooth-enabled devices (including medical devices like insulin pumps or hearing aids) may have location access.

Financial Security

Online Banking

Contact your bank directly for specific security measures, especially crucial for joint accounts. Banks offer two-factor authentication for added security.

For support with economic abuse and banking issues, specialist helplines operate weekdays with free interpreters available. They can assist with safely opening new accounts and addressing financial concerns.

WiFi and Smart Home Devices

Smart devices (security systems, cameras, speakers, thermostats, voice assistants, TVs, smart plugs, light switches) can become tools for coercive control when misused for monitoring.

Safety Consideration: Before making changes to device access, consider whether it’s safe or if it might alert someone. You can return to these steps when it’s safer.

WiFi Security

If someone knows your WiFi password or can access your router, they might access the network remotely. Changing the password prevents further access. Contact your internet service provider for assistance with password changes.

Smart Device Security

Secure devices by changing usernames, using strong passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication. Consider resetting all smart devices and the router’s WiFi password.

Important: Before resetting, consider whether you need digital evidence or if someone will notice lost access and escalate behavior.

Resources available for:

  • Google Home
  • Alexa
  • Yale Smart Locks
  • Ultraloq Smart Locks
  • Ring devices
  • Nest
  • Honeywell thermostats

Smart Security Systems

Security systems including doorbells and locks can enable monitoring of entrances and exits. Manufacturers provide support for removing user access and performing factory resets:

  • Yale smart alarms
  • Ring
  • ERA Protect
  • SimpliSafe
  • Arlo
  • Abode
  • Vivint Smart Home
  • ADT

Medical Records Access

Patients over 16 in England can access detailed medical records through online apps. If concerned about someone accessing or pressuring you to access these records:

Protective Measures:

  • Request your GP use code “104” (Enhanced review indicated before granting access) to prevent automated access
  • Ask to remove specific records from online visibility (domestic abuse references, injuries, mental health treatment, contraception, sexual health)
  • Note that your address appears in online records
  • For children under 16, request the “104” code before they turn 16
  • Change passwords to strong, unique combinations
  • Always log out after accessing records

Device Security

Signs of Hacking

Watch for:

  • Slow performance
  • Frequent rebooting
  • Rapid battery drain
  • Excessive data use
  • Overheating
  • Apps starting automatically
  • Unusual login location reports
  • Unexpected app messages
  • Others receiving messages you didn’t send

Review installed apps on Android, Windows, or Apple devices to identify unauthorized installations. Check children’s devices for parental surveillance apps.

Consider resetting your device, though this stops all sharing and may alert others. It also removes potential evidence, so consult specialists first.

Cybercrime Reporting

Submit reports to ActionFraud online. Registered users can save progress, track reports, add information, and receive updates.

Digital Evidence Collection

Collecting evidence demonstrates abuse patterns over time. Evidence must remain unedited and be documented systematically and securely.

Important: Don’t risk your safety gathering evidence or take steps that could alert someone.

Documentation Methods:

  • Keep incident logs
  • Print emails or call records
  • Screenshot texts, social media posts, messages
  • Save voice messages
  • Record admissions of abuse, threats, non-consensual photos

Act quickly as abusers may “unsend” messages or delete proof.

Screenshot Instructions Available For:

  • Apple devices
  • Mac
  • Windows
  • Android

Include sender, recipient, date, time on email printouts. Text message screenshots should show message, contact information, date, and time. Social media screenshots need full URLs and profile information.

Secure Storage Options:

  • New email account for evidence
  • Backup drive or USB
  • Password-protected online journal
  • Hidden printed evidence
  • Combination approach

If you discover hidden cameras, microphones, or trackers, resist removing them immediately as this alerts the abuser. Consider having police document evidence first.

Intimate Image Abuse

Intimate image abuse (taking, sharing, or threatening to share intimate images without consent) is illegal in the UK. This is never your fault.

Revenge Porn Helpline offers support via email, phone, or anonymous “Whisper” reports. They provide:

  • Step-by-step guides for evidence collection
  • Tools to find if images were shared online
  • Reporting assistance for content removal
  • StopNCII tool for detecting and removing shared images
  • Social media reporting guidance

Legal advice available through Rights of Women. Support courses available through Bloom for processing emotions and healing from trauma.

Additional Device Protection

Password Security

Use strong passwords (three random words combined, like OrangeRoseKoala or LeftStitchDoor). Avoid personal associations (children’s names, birthdays). Always log out when finished.

Use password managers to securely store unique passwords for each account. Enable two-step verification for additional security—you’ll receive notifications when someone attempts to log in.

Emergency Alerts

Government emergency alert systems (for flooding, etc.) produce loud, siren-like sounds with screen messages, posing risks if you’re keeping a phone hidden. Instructions available for opting out on iPhone and Android devices.

Phone Security

Shared mobile plans: Other plan members may access your location, calls, or messages. Contact your network provider.

Silence unknown callers: Available on iPhone and Android to prevent notifications from unsaved numbers.

Apple Devices:

  • Set up Touch ID, Face ID, and passcodes
  • Manage family sharing settings
  • Use Safety Check (Settings → Privacy & Security → Safety Check → Manage Sharing & Access)
  • Review app permissions, signed-in devices, trusted phone numbers, passwords, emergency contacts
  • Consult Apple’s Personal Safety User Guide

Android Devices:

  • Set up screen locks
  • Manage family sharing and location settings
  • Use privacy dashboard to review app permissions
  • Run device scans for malware
  • Consult Android Safety Centre

Anti-Virus Software

Installing anti-virus or anti-malware software protects devices from malicious software.

Phishing/Scam Messages

Scammers impersonate trusted contacts or use your personal details to appear legitimate. Learn to spot and report scam messages. Avoid opening suspicious attachments or clicking unknown links.

Data Backup

Back up important documents and photos to cloud storage or external hard drives, ensuring your abuser cannot access these locations.

Browser Extensions

Review installed browser extensions to identify any tracking tools. Instructions available for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.

Software Updates

Apply updates immediately to protect against viruses and malware. Enable automatic updates when available.

Emergency Contacts

Most phones can send location data to emergency contacts and call local emergency services. Update or remove contacts if an abuser is listed.

Additional Resources

Comprehensive online safety guides are available in multiple languages (English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Farsi, Pashto, Urdu, Russian, Italian) through various support organizations.

Professional helplines operate 24/7 with phone and online chat options for confidential support.

For more information and support, visit needpro.co.uk where you’ll find comprehensive resources on digital safety and abuse prevention.

Remember: Your safety is paramount. Take these steps at your own pace and only when it’s safe to do so. Support is available whenever you need it.