GENERAL CELL PHONE SAFETY:

• Lock phone with pass code and do not share code with anyone.

• Turn off GPS on your phone.

• Opt out of location in all apps in privacy and settings.

• If an app updates, reset the privacy and location settings.

• Keep all apps logged out of online accounts, such as e-mail, social media, and Bluetooth.

• Change all passwords and use complicated new passwords.

• Check your wireless carrier account for abnormal charges and usages.

• Remove unnecessary apps and spyware apps.

• Avoid purchasing “jail-broken” phones; they are more susceptible to spyware/ malware.

• If you feel like your phone is being monitored, replace your current phone. It is possible to get a donated phone through Verizon Hopeline.

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GENERAL COMPUTER SAFETY:

• Always use a safe computer whenever possible- a work computer, a friend’s computer, the computer at the library.

• Even though it is not possible to delete the “footprint” of your computer or online activities, there are still ways to continue to be aware and safe. Please keep in mind that, depending on your situation, it may be dangerous to delete your entire Internet history (especially if it is not your regular habit).

• If you think you are being monitored through your home computer, be careful about how you are using that computer. You might want to keep your monitored computer for safe activities, like looking up the weather or the news and use a “safe computer” for looking up things like new jobs or apartments, bus tickets, or asking for help.

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For a more detailed list of computer and phone safety see the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s website here.