More than Just Online

LastPass allows you to log in quickly and easily. The built-in password generator creates long, randomized passwords that protect against hacking.

Instead of texting, conveniently and safely share passwords and notes with anyone. Stop worrying about data breaches. Get alerts if your personal information is at risk. Insurance cards, memberships, passwords... keep your stalking behavior log safe and easy to find.

SSD is an exhaustive guide designed to teach others about protecting against  electronic surveillance for people around the world. Some aspects of this guide will be useful to people with very little technical knowledge, while others are aimed at audiences with more expertise. SSD addresses concerns around stalking, employment, DV, and other relevant topics; a threat assessment module is provided for users. SSD includes step-by-step tutorials for installing and using a variety of privacy and security tools, and aims to teach people how to think about online privacy and security to empower them to choose appropriate tools and practices even as the tools, laws rapidly change and become out of date. Some especially powerful and sophisticated threats may be difficult or impossible to protect against. This guide teaches users to be skeptical of  claims that any tool offers complete security or privacy. 

Consider how your safety might be affected if you identify or remove stalkerware. Address this in your safety-plan. DV stalkers in particular, may escalate their abusive behavior when stalkerware is removed.

If you suspect stalkerware, what you do on your phone could be seen by the other person. For calls or online activity where you want more privacy, use a phone or other device that isn’t being monitored, or an encrypted app. 

Document all incidence(s) of cyber-stalking in using the "Stalking Log" However, police or a forensics expert can look for evidence.

A full factory reset can usually remove the stalkerware. However, reinstalling apps or files from a backup can re-load it onto the device. You could also create a new iCloud/Google account for your device, in addition, so you’re starting over.

Replace your current phone. If you are able/safe, you could replace your phone, or set up a second phone. Here are a few options:

• Purchase a new phone, and consider switching carriers and getting a new phone number. If possible note in your account that you are the only authorized account holder or set up notifications if changes are made to your account. 
• Purchase a pay-as-you-go phone (called a "burner" phone) with cash.
• Depending on your income or circumstances, you may qualify for discounts on phones or service. LifeLine offers a discount for individuals who qualify as low-income.
• A trusted person might be able to give you a phone. Wipe the phone’s memory and do a “factory reset” to remove all of their information.

Important: Don’t connect the new phone to any old accounts, especially cloud accounts like Google or iCloud, and don’t use your old number. Don’t move data from your old phone to the new phone using a memory card, SIM card, your cloud account, or backups. Doing so could reinstall stalkerware. 

Stalkerware will not necessarily have noticeable operating changes. You, however, may be able to notice changes in the stalker's behavior, patterns, or knowledge, indicating they have installed stalkerware. Hardware devices may be found in areas such as, between the computer and the keyboard cord, or  keyboards or mice can be replaced. Devices are usually installed inside the laptop, through the access panel.

The safest option is to replace the hard drive or get a new computer. Use a cloud services to store files from the infected computer, to ensure infected files aren't copied into the new computer, which could reinstall the stalkerware. You can consider wiping and rebuilding the computer starting with reinstalling the operating system, although this will not guarantee complete removal of the stalkerware. 

If your computer has stalkerware all activity including online chat, emails, and web searches, can be revealed to the cyberstalker. If you can, use a safer computer or device – one the person has not had physical or remote access to. It is recommended that DV/IPV victims look for help or information on computers in:

• a public library
• community center
• a friend’s device. 

Stalkerware may have given the stalker access to your login information, consider resetting your passwords on a different device. Once the account(s) are reset, do not log-in again using the monitored device(s). Consider changing passwords for sensitive accounts i.e. online banks, social media accounts, etc. 

Location tracking devices can be as small as a quarter and hidden in clothes, bags, cars, or gifts. Check for hidden trackers in your belongings & vehicle. 

• Car: check in the trunk, under the hood, inside the bumper, and under and between the seats. Ask a trusted mechanic or law enforcement for assistance.
• Belongings: Check out of place items. For gifts that are non-electronic (such as a toy), look for any electronic parts that shouldn’t be part of the toy.

Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) provides victims with support regarding image-based sexual abuse. Every situation is unique so their resources are designed to meet a range of needs. They provide a list of attorneys and current scams as well as other relevant links. They provide useful resources such as safety planning tools to inform victims of their rights, legal definitions, as well as information on how to request removal of images.

Image abuse helpline: 844-878-CCRI (2274). 

The internet Privacy Handbook: Safe Shepherd created this handbook to simplify privacy and make it accessible to to the public. The goal is to make it a single source of instructions to remove unwanted personal information.

This non-profit organization's mission is to create a more secure, interconnected world. They advocate for the safe use of all technology and educate everyone on how best to protect themselves, their families, and organizations from cybercrime. By creating strong partnerships between governments and corporations to amplify our message and to foster a greater “digital” good.

This web version of the Tech Safety App. will provide you with information about tech abuse and tips for privacy and safety.  It is available in English and Spanish. This website offers information about tech abuse and tips for privacy and safety. - The app is available on most mobile phones.