COVER YOUR TRACKS ONLINE

The surest way to safely use the internet to find out sensitive information is to use a computer in a public place such as a library, community centre or internet café. Alternatively you could use the computer of a trusted friend.

All computers, phones and tablets retain a lot of data about the websites you visit, messages you send, calls you make, purchase history and banking activity as well as many other activities.

If you are concerned that somebody may check up on your online activity on the computer you are using now then do not use it to seek help or advice. We recommend you follow the advice above and use a public computer to get the information you need.

Do not stop using a computer you are worried might eb checked as a sudden stop in activity may alert someone spying on you that something has happened. Instead simply look for sensitive advice and information on public or trusted computers but continue to use your normal device for all other web use, whether you’re using social media, checking the weather or tv listings or streaming content online.

USE ‘PRIVATE BROWSING’

Most browsers now feature a setting where you can switch to ‘Incognito’ or ‘Private’ browsing. This function means that, for the length of time you have the incognito/private window open, your search web browser will not record your activity. Once you turn the feature off again your browser will continue to record your activity and so if anybody checks then everything will appear normal with only a record of your usual internet usage. Your time looking for help and advice will remain secret.

HOW TO ACTIVATE PRIVATE BROWSING

Every browser is different so simply search for ‘private or incognito browsing’ and the name of the browser you use and you will find detailed instructions.

eg. “private or incognito browsing Google Chrome”

CLEARING YOUR WEB BROWSER’S HISTORY

You are able to remove some records of the different websites you have visited (and web searches you have conducted) by clearing your browser’s history or by using the private browsing function we have detailed above. This however will not remove all evidence of your activity and your partner need not be an I.T. expert to discover information about your web usage.

REMEMBER

If you do not regularly clear your web browser’s history then doing so may alert a partner that you have been trying to hide things from them.

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR BROWSER HISTORY

Every browser is different so simply search for ‘clear browsing history and clear cache’ and the name of the browser you use and you will find detailed instructions specific to the browser you use.

eg. “clear browser history and cache Google Chrome”