English
EspañolWhat can I do to protect my safety if I use connected devices?
For safer use of connected devices, it can be helpful to know:
- exactly how your devices connect to one another;
- what information is available remotely; and
- what security and privacy features exist for your tech.
With this information, if a device begins operating in a way that you know you are not controlling, you may want to disconnect that device or remove it from the network. If you do not know how, try reading the device’s manual or speaking to tech support. NNEDV’s Safety Net Project’s Survivor Toolkit has resources that could help.
If you think a device is being misused, you can begin to document the incidents. A technology abuse log is one way to do this. These logs can be helpful in showing patterns and deciding next steps. They could be useful in building a legal case if you decide to pursue one.
In terms of protecting your physical safety, each survivor’s situation and risks are different. There isn’t one “right” way to protect yourself. If an abusive person is monitoring your devices and accounts, making changes to them may alert the abuser to the fact that you discovered this unauthorized access. In some situations, it could even erase evidence of the unauthorized access. Prioritize safety and trust your instincts.
It can help to make a safety plan with a domestic violence advocate. If you are already working with an advocate who does not have specialized knowledge of tech misuse, the advocate can ask for help from NNEDV’s Safety Net Project.
