Security & Safety

Here are some tips for keeping you and your loved ones safe online.

Security tips

--> Ensure that all of your devices, such as your mobile (cell) phone, laptop or tablet, have a passcode (e.g., a PIN, fingerprint or face ID)

When choosing a PIN code, try to avoid using all or part of your name, birthday, nickname(s), basic number sequences (e.g., 1234) or similar passwords for more than one device. You can set or change your passcode on most devices via the “Settings” menu.

--> Manage your web browsing history

“Web browsing history”, or “internet search history”, refers to a list of websites that a user has visited and other details (e.g., the date on which a user accessed a website). If you’re worried about someone monitoring your internet searches, or if you want greater control over your online privacy, you might want to consider the following: 

  • Private web browsing that enables users to browse the internet without their browser history being collected; 

  • Using a “do not track setting” to opt out of third-party website tracking (e.g., advertisements); and

  • Other options outlined by WESNET here.

--> Set your devices to immediately lock after use

You can set or change restriction locks on most devices via the “Settings” menu.

--> Set up multi-factor identification/verification

Multi-factor identification refers to accessing an account, application (“app”) or software only after presenting two or more pieces of evidence to prove one’s identity. For example, to access an email account using two-factor authentication, you may be required to enter both your email password and a code sent to you via text. You can set up multi-factor identification/verification for most accounts via the “Settings” menu.

--> Review who has access to shared accounts or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive)

It’s a good idea to regularly review who has access to shared or cloud storage accounts and to remove anyone who you don’t want to share information with.

--> Review the privacy settings of your social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) and professional networking accounts (e.g., LinkedIn)

You might want to limit the information that is available about you, or unfriend people/remove followers who you don’t want to be connected with. You can also hide your friends’ list, turn off comments and block or unfollow other users. Some platforms have privacy checklists that you might like to take a look at (for instance, Facebook’s Privacy Checkup: https://www.facebook.com/help/443357099140264). You can also visit the UK Revenge Porn Helpline's website as they have some useful information about updating your privacy settings here.

--> Review “backup” settings for cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive)

In the “Settings” menu of most cloud storage, you can choose what information to store and whether your photos, videos and other content are automatically backed up.

--> Regularly change PIN codes/passwords

Consider regularly changing your PIN codes and passwords to make it harder for anyone else to access your devices or files. Also choose PIN codes and passwords that are not easy to guess.

--> Resources about internet safety

The Australian eSafety Commissioner has step-by-step video guides on a wide range of topics, such as how to change your privacy settings on social media or how to choose a good password. There’s also an online safety checklist that may be helpful.

WESNET has a comprehensive safety and privacy toolkit for women.

Tinder and WESNET have a Dating Safety Guide specifically for Australians.

1800 RESPECT also has a Device Safety page.

How to share intimate images as safely as possible

--> Use fully encrypted apps

Encrypted apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram have extra layers of security.

--> Make sure images don’t have identifiable features

If you're going to take an intimate photo or video of yourself, you might like to hide: identifiable features, such as your face, piercings, tattoos or birthmarks; identifiable objects (e.g., clothing, a watch or a ring); or identifiable spaces/locations (e.g., objects in a house or a window with a view of a street). If an image has identifiable features, consider using software or mark-up tools in smartphones to blur the background, or remove any features with squiggles, emojis or other covers.

--> Remove location data embedded in images

There are several ways to remove the location data embedded in images:

  1. Turn off location data in the settings menu of your device;

  2. Remove data using free or paid third-party apps for mobile phones; and

  3. Remove data using software on a laptop or personal computer.

--> Store images safely

Save images on an encrypted hard drive in a password-protected folder.

--> More resources

Check out Headspace Australia for tips and advice on sexting