Victim/survivors of sexual assault are often concerned about maintaining their privacy concerning the assault. There are hundreds of ways that computers can record everything you do on the computer and on the Internet.

For every page you visit on the web, your browser, such as Netscape, Internet Explorer or AOL, stores a variety of information that may be viewed by anyone with access to your computer. If someone knows how to access these saved history files, called cache, they may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the Internet.

While it is not possible to delete or remove all computer "footprints", you can erase many of these files if you are concerned that someone else using your computer may learn what sites you have visited on the Internet. Follow the instructions below for your particular web browser to reduce the amount of information stored in your computer’s cache.

For Internet Explorer

1. Click on the TOOLS menu; choose INTERNET OPTIONS; then choose the GENERAL tab at the top. In the section called TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES, click on DELETE FILES to clear your cache. On the same screen, in the section called HISTORY, press the CLEAR HISTORY button to erase your history list.
2. When using Internet Explorer, there is a function which will complete a partial web address automatically, giving someone using your computer the entire address you have visited. You can disable this function by clicking the TOOLS menu; choose INTERNET OPTIONS; then choose ADVANCED. Look for the box that says USE INLINE AUTOCOMPLETE. Make sure box is NOT checked. This will disable the autocomplete function.

For Netscape Navigator version 8.0

1. Click on the TOOLS menu; choose OPTIONS; then choose PRIVACY (on the left side). Click the box that says CLEAR MY TRACKS ON EXIT. Be sure that this box is always checked. This will erase your history list and clear your cache each time you exit Netscape.

For AOL version 9.0

1. On the AOL toolbar, click SETTINGS; then under CUSTOMIZE AOL, click VIEW ALL; scroll down to the HOW AOL WORKS section and click INTERNET (WEB) OPTIONS. Under RELATED SETTINGS, click the INTERNET EXPLORER SETTINGS link. In the HISTORY section, click CLEAR HISTORY; then click YES to erase your history list. On the same screen, click DELETE FILES; then click OK to clear your cache.
   

If you are danger please: ● Call 911 ● Call the statewide 24 hour toll free hotline at: 1-888-999-5545 1-888-568-8332 (Español)

Internet browsers, and different versions of the above browsers, may vary slightly. If you go to the help menu of the browser you are using, you will be able to find detailed and easy to follow instructions on clearing your CACHE and HISTORY files. Remember, that erasing these files cannot completely clear your Internet “footprints.” A computer expert may still be able to trace any websites that were visited. However, these precautionary steps will help cover your Internet activity and decrease the likelihood of discovery.

Tips on Technology Safety

• If you feel you are in danger or think someone may be monitoring your Internet activity, consider using a safer computer, such as a computer at your local library, a trusted friend’s home, Internet café, or work.
• Email is NOT a confidential means of communication. To discuss confidential issues, please call our statewide hotline to be connected with a sexual assault counselor in your area.
• Delete emails from your Sent box and then also delete them from the Deleted Items box.
• Empty the Recycle Bin before shutting down the computer. The Recycle Bin holds all deleted files until it is manually emptied.
• Cell phones and cordless phones can be intercepted, allowing someone to overhear your conversation. Traditional corded phones are more private.
• Do not store passwords on your computer-it makes it extremely easy for someone to access your personal information.
• Choose passwords that are not easy to guess, such as a combination of letters and numbers. NEVER use any identifying information as your password (i.e. your mother’s maiden name, children’s names, your birthday or the last four digits of your social security number).
• Change your passwords often.
• Keep all personal files on a disk and set options to require a password to access each file.
• If possible, use a web-based email service like Yahoo or Hotmail that you can access from anywhere. Their systems are more strictly regulated, and therefore may be safer than personal services such as AOL.