— Counselling for women and girls*

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

Schutz-empfehlungen

Clearing Traces in Your Browser

To protect your privacy and erase traces of your online activity, it is important to delete various data stored by your web browser.
This applies to browsers such as Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer.

Clear Browsing History:
Your browser stores a history of all visited websites. Anyone accessing this history can easily see which websites you have visited. Therefore, it is advisable to remove websites from your history that you do not want to be traced. Clear Cache:

Clear Cache:
A cache stores data from previously visited websites to enable faster access on subsequent visits. The cache can also be used to track which sites you have visited.

Here are some additional tips to strengthen your online privacy:

Remove Cookies:
Regularly delete cookies stored by websites on your computer. Cookies contain information about your online activities.
PUse Private Browsing:
Activate the private or incognito mode in your browser to ensure that no browsing history, cookies, or search queries are stored.
Manage Passwords:
Use strong passwords and update them regularly. Use different passwords for different online accounts and consider storing them in a secure password manager.

Instructions for Clearing Browsing History and Cache

Mozilla Firefox:

Open the browser.
Click on History in the menu bar.
Select Clear Recent History and follow the instructions.

Internet Explorer:

Open the browser.
Click the gear icon in the top right corner.
Select Internet Options and click Delete under Browsing History section.

Google Chrome:

Open the browser.
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select History and then click Clear Browsing Data.

Microsoft Edge:

Open the browser.
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select History and click Clear All History.

Safari:

Open the browser.
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Select History and then Clear All History.

Netscape, Opera: Follow the specific instructions for your browser, available in its settings or options menu.

These steps help protect your online activity and maintain your digital privacy.

Erasing Traces on Your PC

Remove Search History
1. Windows:
  Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
  Navigate to Search and select Clear Search History.
2. Check Documents and Downloads:
  Delete files you no longer need, especially sensitive documents or downloads, to ensure no traces remain.

Securing Your Email Account

You may have shared your email password at some point. In certain cases, a person who threatens you could easily discover which password you chose or where you wrote it down. If you fear or suspect that unauthorized individuals might be accessing your incoming or outgoing emails, here are some measures you can take:

Choose a Strong Password:
Use a password that combines numbers, letters, and symbols. Avoid easily guessable passwords, especially those linked to personal information such as the names of your children or pets.
Use a Private Email Account:
Consider creating a second email account known only to you, especially for exchanging sensitive or private information.
Change Passwords Regularly:
Update your passwords periodically and use different passwords for different accounts.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication:
If your email provider supports it, activate two step verification to add an extra layer of security.
Monitor Suspicious Activity:
Regularly check your account for unusual activity. Log our immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
Save Threatening Emails:
If you receive threatening or harassing emails, save them as potential evidence. Keep copies on your computer or an external storage device.
Contact Support:
If you have concerns about your email security, contact your provider’s support team.
Use Encryption:
If available, use your email provider’s encryption options to protect the confidentiality of your messages.

Remember that securing your email account is crucial for protecting your personal information. If you feel threatened or notice any unusual activity, it is advisable to take immediate action and, if necessary, seek help from experts.