Internet Safety
When you browse the internet on your computer or phone, your web browser saves the websites you visit. Common browsers include Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
You can delete your browsing history, but tools exist that can recover it. Some software can also be installed on your computer to track your website visits, steal your usernames and passwords, and access your email or other sensitive information. If you think someone may be monitoring your device, be cautious when searching for private information.
Use a safe computer when you go online. You can find safe computers at local libraries, internet cafés, shelters, workplaces, computer centers, or a friend's house. Always pick these safe options for researching travel plans, housing, legal issues, and safety plans.
If you have to use a potentially unsafe computer, always use private mode instead of clearing your history at the end of each session. A blank history might make your abuser suspicious. If you can’t stop your history from being tracked and don’t want to clear it, try to make your browsing harder to trace. For example, if you plan to move to California, don’t just search for jobs or apartments there. Search in other locations too. This makes it more difficult for an abuser to find out your plans.