Internet Safety

Internet Safety - WARNING

Taking all of the actions on this page may not prevent an abuser from discovering your email and Internet activity. The safest way to find information on the Internet is to go to a safer computer. Some suggestions would be your local library, a friend's house or your workplace. Other safety suggestions: Change your password often, do not pick obvious words or numbers for your password, and make sure to include a combination of letters and numbers for your password.

HOW AN ABUSER CAN TRACK YOUR ACTIVITIES

Email

If an abuser has access to your email account, he or she may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. Even if you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password he or she will not be able to guess.

If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, you can print and save them as evidence of this abuse. These messages may also constitute a federal offense.  

ERASING YOUR TRACKS

History/Cache browser files

If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history of cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), he or she may be able to see information you have viewed on the Internet.

You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your brower's settings*

INTERNET EXPORER:

Pull down Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General page under Temporary Internet Files, Click on Delete Files. If asked, check the box to delete all offline content. Still within the Temporary Internet Files section, click on Setting (This step may make it harder to navigate pages where you would like your information to be remembered, but these remaining cookies do show website pages you have visited. Therefore, use your own judgment as to whether or not to take this next step). Click on "View Files", Manually highlight all the files (cookies) shown, then hit Delete. Close that window, then on General page under History section, click on "Clear History."

GOOGLE CHROME:

Pull down the Chrome menu button at the top left, select Preferences, then History, and click the Clear Browsing Data button. 

MOZILLA FIREFOX:

  1. Click the menu button  and choose Preferences

  2. Select the Advanced panel.

  3. Click on the Network tab.
  4. In the Cached Web Content section, click Clear Now.

Much more detailed info here on specific internet safety settings 

*This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the Internet would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.