Computer Safety: Protect Yourself Online

Computer Safety is essential because abusers use every tool they can to maintain control. And if they discover you’re researching abuse, documenting evidence, or planning your exit, things can escalate quickly…

If your abuser finds what you're looking for, it could be dangerous.

That's not fear-mongering. That's reality. Abusers use every tool they can to maintain control. And if they discover you're researching abuse, documenting evidence, or planning your exit, things can escalate quickly.

But you don't have to leave a trail. You don't have to hand her your playbook.

This guide will show you how to use your computer safely - not just to protect it from viruses, but to protect your search history, your research, and your freedom from someone who wants to keep you trapped.

THE TREAT: WHAT THEY MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR

If your abuser has access to your computer, they could be checking:

Your browser history (what websites you've visited)
Your emails (who you've been talking to)
Your downloads (documents, photos, evidence you've saved)
Your saved passwords (accounts she might not know about)
Your files and documents (anything you've written or stored)

They might be doing this openly. Or they might be doing it behind your back while you're asleep or at work.

Either way, you need to assume they are watching. Until you're sure they are not.

Your Options: How to Protect Yourself

You have a few choices. Pick the one that works best for your situation.

Option 1: Use a Private Browser
Use a browser that doesn't save your history, and always use it in Private Mode (Incognito). This is the quickest and easiest option, but it only protects your history. It doesn't protect your emails or files.

Option 2: Use a Secure Email Account
Create a new email account that she doesn't know about. Use it only for abuse-related research, contacting lawyers, or storing evidence. Never access it on a device your abuser has access to.

Option 3: Use Proton Drive (Encrypted Storage)
Proton Drive is a free, encrypted cloud storage service. It's like Google Drive, but no one can access your files except you. This is where you can store your evidence, screenshots, and documents safely.

Option 4: Use a USB Drive
A USB drive is a physical device you can store files on and hide. It doesn't leave a digital trail. But if they finds it, they find everything.

Option 5: Use a Different Device
If you can access a device your abuser never touches... a work computer, a library computer, a friend's phone - use that for your most sensitive research.

HOW TO SET IT UP

Step 1: Use Private Browsing Mode

Private Browsing (also called Incognito Mode) doesn't save your history, cookies, or passwords after you close the window. This means your abuser can't see what you've been looking at.

On Google Chrome (Windows/Mac):

Click the three dots in the top right corner
Select "New Incognito Window"
Or press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac)

On Microsoft Edge (Windows/Mac):

Click the three dots in the top right corner
Select "New InPrivate Window"
Or press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac)

On Mozilla Firefox (Windows/Mac):

Click the three lines in the top right corner
Select "New Private Window"
Or press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac)

On Apple Safari (Mac):

Click File in the top menu
Select "New Private Window"
Or press Cmd+Shift+N

Important: Private Browsing only hides your history on that specific device. Your internet provider can still see what you're doing, and if your abuser has monitoring software installed, they might still be able to track you. This is a first step, not a complete solution.

Step 2: Create a Proton Mail Account

Proton Mail is a free, secure email service. It's encrypted, meaning no one can read your emails except you and the person you're sending them to.

Go to proton.me
Click "Create Account"
Choose the "Free" plan
Create a username and password your abuser wouldn't guess
Use a recovery email she doesn't have access to, or skip it
Remember your password. Don't save it on the computer.

Never access this account on a device your abuser can access. Use it only on a private browser, on a device they don't touch, or on your phone in a secure way.

Step 3: Use Proton Drive for Safe Storage

Proton Drive is like Google Drive or Dropbox, but encrypted. Only you can access your files.

Log into your Proton account
Click on "Drive" in the top menu
Upload files the same way you would with any cloud storage
Store your evidence, screenshots, and documents here

What to store:

Photos of injuries
Screenshots of threatening texts
Audio recordings (if safe to make)
A log of incidents (dates, times, details)

This is your digital vault. Keep it secure.

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EXTRA TIPS TO INCREASE SAFETY

Clear Your History Regularly
Even if you use Private Browsing, it's a good idea to clear your browser history regularly. This removes any traces your abuser might find.

How to clear history on Chrome:

Click the three dots → History → History
Click "Clear browsing data"
Select "All time" and check all the boxes

Never Save Passwords on Shared Devices
If your abuser has access to your computer, don't save your Proton password, email passwords, or any sensitive account passwords in the browser. Write them down somewhere safe instead.

Check for Monitoring Software
If you suspect she has installed monitoring software on your computer, you can check for it. Look for unfamiliar programs in your list of installed apps. If you find something, don't delete it immediately, your abuser might notice. Get professional help first.

Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your internet activity from your internet provider and anyone else on the same network. If you're concerned she might be monitoring your network, consider using a free VPN like ProtonVPN (also free).

Log Out and Close Windows
Always log out of your Proton account when you're done. Always close your Private Browsing window. Don't leave anything open where she can find it.

Don't Leave Evidence on the Computer
If you download documents or photos, store them on Proton Drive and delete the local copies. Clear your downloads folder regularly.

What If You're Found Out?

If your abuser discovers what you've been doing, prioritize your safety immediately. Plan where you can go, who you can call, and what you'll do if you need to leave quickly. Your safety comes first.

Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. No security measure is 100% effective. The safest way to protect your information is to use a device she cannot access. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services.