Survivors Chat

Internet Safety

We recommend that you always keep your browser up to date (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer). If you share a computer with others (especially with abusers) it is sensible to cover your tracks on the computer. There are several ways of doing this. The following information is for the most current versions of popular browsers.

One important note: make sure you've left the site first. You will want to be on a generic site, or the page you're on may not be erased from the history.

Start a private browsing session. From the tools menu, select "Prviate Browsing" or "Incognito Window". This will prevent your activity from being shown. Remember to close your browser after each use.

To cleanup your browsing history automatically: download and install CCleaner, a computer cleanup tool. It is fast, totally free, has a lot of options and does the job well. If others ask why you have downloaded it you can say that deleting the files and freeing up the space makes the computer run faster and more efficiently (this is true). Keep running the program frequently (for example once a week or anytime that you need to cover your tracks) so that it keeps running fast.

To cleanup your browsing history manually:

Internet Explorer 9 (it may also work with other versions) click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the window, then on "Internet Options" and a box should come up. It should default to the "General" tab. If not, select the "General" tab. Under the subheading "Browsing history" click on "Delete". Select the options you wish to delete.

Firefox. Click on "Tools", or the navigation tab. From "Tools" select "Options". From the navigation tab, hover on "Options", then select "Options" again. From either path, now select "clear your recent history" and "remove individual cookies".

Machines can do all of the above for us, but common sense protects you most of all. Never give your passwords out to anybody. An admin will never ask for your personal passwords. If anybody requests your passwords, please contact us immediately with as much information as possible. Do not leave your passwords where people can find them; do not write them down or leave them in an accessible computer or mobile phone file.

Do not under any circumstance give your full name or address. Although we try and keep this site as safe as possible, it is up to you to keep your personal information safe. No matter how nice somebody may seem, protect your personal information at all times.

Seeking extra support is fantastic but please stay safe whilst doing so.