Safety First: How to Plan a Safe Exit From a Surveillance Situation

Planning to leave an unsafe situation requires careful steps to protect your privacy and safety, especially from digital monitoring. This guide will help you understand how to minimise the risk of being tracked or having your information accessed once you're out of harm's way.

Understanding Digital Monitoring

Digital monitoring, often using 'stalkerware' or spyware, can be secretly installed on phones and computers. It allows someone to see your messages, track your location, and even listen to your calls. This software is designed to be hidden, making it difficult to detect without knowing what to look for.

• Unexpected draining of your device's battery
• Your device feeling warm even when not in use
• Unusual data usage on your phone bill
• New, unfamiliar apps appearing on your device
• Changes to your device's settings that you didn't make

Before You Leave: Essential Preparations

While it might seem counterintuitive, avoiding sudden changes to your digital habits before you leave can be helpful. This is because sudden changes might alert someone who is monitoring your devices. Instead, focus on gathering important information and securing a new, private line of communication.

• Memorise important phone numbers, like family, friends, or support services, instead of saving them on your phone.
• Gather copies of important documents like identification, birth certificates, and financial records. Store them securely off-site.
• If possible, get a new, pay-as-you-go phone that the person monitoring you doesn't know about. Only use it for safe communications.

Securing Your New Devices and Accounts

Once you are in a safe place, it's crucial to assume that any devices you had before leaving might be compromised. The safest approach is to start fresh with new devices and accounts if possible. If new devices aren't an option, a factory reset is the next best step, but be aware this might not remove more sophisticated spyware.

• Get a new phone and computer if you can. Set them up with strong, unique passwords that no one else knows.
• Change passwords for all your online accounts, especially email, banking, and social media. Use a strong, unique password for each account.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts where it's available. This adds an extra layer of security.
• Review the privacy settings on all your social media and online accounts to ensure they are set to your comfort level.

Checking for Hidden Trackers

It's not just digital devices that can be used for tracking. Physical tracking devices can be hidden in cars, bags, or even clothing. Once you are safe, take some time to thoroughly check your belongings and report anything suspicious to the police.

• Inspect your car thoroughly, including under the dashboard, in the wheel wells, and under seats, for any unfamiliar devices.
• Check your bags, purses, and any items of clothing for small, hidden devices.
• Look for unusual wires, batteries, or antennas that don't seem to belong.
• If you find a tracking device, do not tamper with it. Instead, take a photo and contact the police or a support service for guidance.

Ongoing Digital Safety Practices

Once you're safe and have secured your new digital environment, maintaining good cybersecurity habits is essential to keep yourself protected in the long term. Being proactive about your digital security can significantly reduce the risk of future surveillance.

• Regularly review the apps on your devices and delete any you don't recognise or use.
• Be cautious about clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders.
• Keep your device's operating system and apps updated to ensure you have the latest security protections.
• If you share devices with others, ensure they are also aware of good security practices.

Key takeaway

Planning a safe exit from a surveillance situation involves a combination of careful preparation, securing new devices and accounts, and ongoing vigilance. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of past monitoring being re-established and protect your privacy as you rebuild your life. Remember, support is available, and you don't have to go through this alone.