If you are worried about someone knowing you have visited this website please read the following safety information.
When browsing the internet or using emails, your computer leaves traces of your activity. If someone else, such as an abuser, has access to your device, they could view your online activity. To safeguard your privacy, follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of being monitored.
How These Tips Can Help
These instructions are designed to remove the most common digital traces left by internet browsers. While these steps will help conceal your activities from someone with moderate IT skills, they may not cover all potential methods of tracking. For safer browsing, consider using a computer at a library, internet café, workplace, or a trusted friend’s house.
Common Ways Online Activity Can Be Tracked
Your internet activity can leave behind several traces. Here are the main areas to address:
History: A record of the websites you've visited.
Bookmarks/Favourites: Saved links to websites, easily accessible to others.
Cache: Temporary files that store data from websites to load pages faster.
Downloads: Files downloaded from websites often leave a record in your browser.
Search History: Saved searches in browsers or search engines.
Cookies: Small files stored on your computer to enhance website functionality.
Back Button: Allows access to recently visited pages if the browser is open.
By managing these areas, you can minimise your digital footprint and enhance your privacy.
Step-by-Step: Clearing Your Internet Trail
Step 1: Identify Your Browser
If you’re unsure which browser you’re using, click the Help option on the toolbar at the top of your screen. The last entry in the dropdown menu will indicate your browser, such as About Google Chrome or About Safari. Once identified, follow the relevant instructions below.
Step 2: Instructions for Popular Browsers
Google Chrome
Open an Incognito Window (Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Command+Shift+N on Mac). This prevents browsing history, cookies, and search history from being saved.
To clear past activity:
Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
Tick the boxes for Browsing History, Download History, Cookies, and Cached Images and Files.
Click Clear Data.
Mozilla Firefox
Open a Private Window (Ctrl+Shift+P or Command+Shift+P).
To clear history:
Click the menu button (three lines in the top-right corner).
Select Settings > Privacy & Security.
Under History, click Clear History.
Tick all relevant boxes and click OK.
Safari
Open a Private Window (Command+Shift+N).
To clear past activity:
Click History in the top menu.
Select Clear History....
Choose a time range (e.g., the last hour, today, or all history) and click Clear History.
Microsoft Edge
Open an InPrivate Window (Ctrl+Shift+N or Command+Shift+N).
To clear browsing data:
Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services.
Under Clear Browsing Data, select Choose What to Clear.
Tick all relevant boxes and click Clear Now.
Opera
Open a Private Window (Ctrl+Shift+N or Command+Shift+N).
To clear browsing data:
Click Menu (top-left corner) > Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data.
Select the data types to delete and click Clear Data.
Additional Internet Safety Tips
Avoid bookmarking sensitive websites.
Use search engines like DuckDuckGo that don’t save your searches.
Regularly clear your browser history, cache, and cookies.
Always close your browser after use.
For maximum privacy, consider using a secure device that’s not easily accessible to others. Remember, while these steps can help, they’re not foolproof. Stay vigilant and prioritise your safety.