Computer Safety

Afraid, isolated, confused?
You are not alone.

Computers can be great resources, but they also store information that can give clues about your Internet and other online activities. It is impossible to clear all of this information.

If you are in immediate danger please call 911. If you are afraid that your computer activities may be monitored, please use a safer computer and call your local hotline or the NYS Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 (in Spanish 1-800-942-6908).

Safer computers can be found at:

• A friend's home or at work
• A domestic violence program or a rape crisis program
• A public library or an Internet Cafe
• New York Public Computer Centers
  

How to Help Protect Your Privacy Online

Please note that the information on this page is meant to provide general guidance and awareness, as computer technologies are regularly evolving.

• E-mail - Emails are not confidential; they can be traced even after you have deleted them. Instead, call a hotline and ask for assistance in figuring out next steps. If you still decide to use email, doing the following things can help you protect your privacy:

• • When setting up your email account:
    
    
    • Do not check off the box "Remember my Username" or "Remember my password."
      
    • Avoid including information that could identify you in your email address, such as your name.
      
    • Use a password that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess, as anyone who guesses your password will have access to your private correspondence.
      
      
  • Do not share your password with anyone. If at any point you do, change it.
    
    
  • In email correspondence, avoid including information that your partner/former partner may be able to use against you.
    
    
  • After deleting messages from your sent box or inbox, empty the "trash can" or "deleted items". However, be aware that after taking these steps, messages can be recovered from your email service provider.
    
    
• Internet browsing - No matter what you do, it is impossible to clear all of the traces of information stored inside your computer from your internet activities. It is possible for someone with physical or remote access to your computer to discover where you have been on the Internet. If you are afraid that someone is monitoring your computer activities, please use a safer computer.
  
  
• Social networking sites, chat rooms, mailing lists, bulletin boards and newsgroups - Some ways to help protect your privacy and be safer while using these resources include:
  
  
  • Not trusting anyone with your personal information. It is impossible for you to know whether your partner, or someone known to your partner is also participating.
    
    
  • When setting up your login name/username, avoid using information that could identify you such as your name or your email address if it has your name on it.

References and Additional resources:

• National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) - Internet Safety Tips
• National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women (VAWNet)
  • Some Safety Considerations around using Technology
  • Technology Safety & Advocacy