For survivors of abuse, privacy is closely related to safety. Privacy planning can also feel overwhelming and tricky, as most of us have many devices and accounts and the ways abusive people can get access to information can seem endless.

However, it is possible to increase your privacy and security of your devices and accounts in ways that can make it a lot harder for an abusive person to misuse technology as a tactic of abuse, such as tracking your activity or finding your location.

This resource discusses how to secure your devices and accounts.

Page contents: Securing Devices and Accounts, by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), Safety Net Project, 2023, 20 pages.

	Securing Devices and Accounts, by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), Safety Net Project

Contents:

Introduction

• Devices: Tips for Settings

Access Level High: If you are still living with the abusive person or are in close contact

• Devices: Regular Checkups
• Devices: Consistent Access to Safer Phones
• Devices: Transmissions and Safeguards
• Accounts: Separate, Secure Email Accessed Through Safer Devices
• Using the Internet: Options for Safer Purchases

Access Level Low: If you are no longer living with or physically around the abusive person

• Devices: What Should You Get?
• Accounts: Getting Phone and Internet Service
• Accounts: Checking Access and Removing Unwanted Access
• Accounts: Password Managers and Password Updates
• Accounts: Multi-Factor Authentication
• Accounts: Caution About Syncing Contacts
• Accounts: Dedicated Email Addresses and Phone Numbers
• Accounts: Hiding Location when Setting Up Accounts
• Using the Internet: Virtual Private Network (VPN) Services
• Using the Internet: Location Guard

Accounts, Devices, and Using the Internet: Co-Parenting and Children’s Technology