Personal Safety & Privacy Guide

Create a comprehensive personal safety strategy to protect yourself from online harassment, stalking, and privacy violations. This guide provides actionable steps to secure your digital life.

If You're in Immediate Danger

Call 911 immediately. Use a safe device (library computer, friend's phone) if you suspect monitoring.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, confidential)

Your Three-Step Safety Plan

Audit Your Digital Footprint

Google yourself regularly
Check data broker sites
Review old social media posts
Remove personal information
Set up Google alerts for your name

Secure Your Accounts

Use unique, strong passwords
Enable two-factor authentication
Review account permissions
Remove unused apps
Check login activity regularly

Protect Your Location

Disable location tagging in photos
Turn off location sharing
Use VPN for browsing
Avoid checking in publicly
Review app location permissions

Threat Assessment Questions

Online Threats

• Have you received threatening messages?
• Is someone impersonating you online?
• Are your photos being shared without consent?
• Is someone tracking your online activity?
• Have your accounts been compromised?

Physical Safety Concerns

• Does someone know your routine?
• Have you noticed unusual behavior?
• Are you being followed or watched?
• Has someone shown up unexpectedly?
• Do you feel unsafe at home/work?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider creating a safety plan with a professional.

Recommended Privacy Tools

Password Managers

• Bitwarden (free option)
• 1Password
• Dashlane
• KeePass (open source)

Secure Communication

• Signal (messaging)
• ProtonMail (email)
• Tor Browser
• VPN services

Privacy Services

• DeleteMe (data removal)
• Privacy.com (virtual cards)
• MySudo (phone numbers)
• Blur (masked info)

Emergency Support Resources

Immediate Help

Emergency: 911
Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233
Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673
Stalking Resource: 1-855-484-2846

Online Support

Cyber Civil Rights: cybercivilrights.org
CCRI Helpline: 1-844-878-2274
Safety Net Project: techsafety.org
Online SOS: onlinesos.org

Download Your Safety Planning Workbook

Get our comprehensive safety planning guide with detailed checklists, assessment tools, and step-by-step guides for creating your personal safety strategy.

Download PDF Guide Back to Resources