Why you should protect your online activity and how

It is possible for someone to monitor your online activity if they have access to your computer. In order to prevent your abuser from monitoring your online activity, it is always best to use a computer that your abuser cannot access - at a public library, internet café, work, or the computer of a friend you trust.

If you must use a computer that your abuser has access to, following the steps below will help eliminate some of the information about your online activity.

Email
Use an email address that your abuser does not know about. Select an email address that does not include your name, and choose a password that your abuser will not easily guess.

Internet Activity
If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file, he or she may be able to see information you have viewed on the Internet. Cookies and AutoComplete functions can also give your abuser information about internet activity. Directions on how to clear this information from different browsers is below. Remember, even if you complete these steps, it may be possible for your abuser to track your email or online activity.

Netscape

• Pull down the Edit menu and select Preferences.
  
• Click on Navigator and choose Clear History.
  
• Click on Privacy and Cookies and select Manage Stored Cookies. Click Clear All Cookies.
  
• Click on Forms. Click on the Manage Stored Form Data button. Click on Remove All Saved Data. Click on the Manage Sites button. Click on the Remove All button for both tabs in this form.
  
• Click on Advanced and select Cache. Click on Clear Disk Cache.

Internet Explorer

• Pull down the Tools menu and select Internet Options.
  
• Go to the General tab. Under Temporary Internet Files, click on Delete Files. If asked, check the box to delete all offline content. Next, click on "Delete Cookies. Under the History section, click on Clear History.
  
• Go to the Content tab. Click on AutoComplete and click Clear Forms.
  
• Click on the Advanced tab. Uncheck the Use Inline AutoComplete box.

AOL

• Pull down Members menu, select Preferences.
  
• Click on WWW icon. Select Advanced. Select Purge Cache.