For survivors of domestic violence and stalking in San Diego, technology can be a double-edged sword. While it’s a vital tool for communication, it can also be a weapon used by abusers for surveillance, control, and harassment. Securing your digital life is not just a matter of privacy; it is a critical step toward ensuring your physical safety. This guide provides a San Diego-specific blueprint for locking down your tech, blocking phone tracking, and wiping sensitive metadata in minutes.

Your phone is likely the most vulnerable device. An abuser may have access to it or have installed spyware.

• Change All Passcodes and Biometrics: Immediately change your phone’s passcode to a new, complex one. Reset biometrics like Touch ID or Face ID, as an abuser may have set up their own access without your knowledge.

• Check for Location Sharing: Go into your phone’s settings and turn off all location-sharing permissions. Be particularly vigilant with apps like "Find My..." and social media platforms.

• Factory Reset as a Last Resort: If you suspect spyware, the safest option is a factory reset. This will erase all data, so be sure to back up any crucial information (like evidence) to a secure, new cloud account.

Metadata is the hidden data within your files, like the date, time, and location a photo was taken. Abusers can use this to track your movements.

• What is Metadata? It's "data about data." For example, a photo you take with your phone contains not just the image itself, but also the GPS coordinates of where you were, the type of phone you used, and the time the photo was taken.

• How to Wipe It: Before sharing any photos or files, you can use a secure online tool or a feature within your phone's operating system to "scrub" or "wipe" this metadata. This is especially important for photos of your new home or other safe locations.

• The Crucial Balance: It is vital to note that while wiping metadata is important for safety, the metadata on your original files can also be powerful evidence in a legal case (e.g., proving the time and place of an abusive incident). Before you wipe any data that might be used as evidence, consult with a legal aid service in San Diego.

Securing your phone is just the beginning.

• Create a New Email and Change Passwords: Create a brand-new email address from a safe device. Use it to change the passwords on all critical accounts—banking, social media, shopping, etc.

• Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is your best defense against unauthorized access. 2FA requires a second code (sent to a trusted device) in addition to your password, making it nearly impossible for an abuser to log in.

• Securing Smart Home Devices: If you shared a home with an abuser, unplug or factory reset all smart home devices, as they can be used for surveillance and control.

You don't have to navigate this alone. The San Diego Family Justice Center and other local legal aid services are experts in digital safety and can provide free, confidential assistance. They can help you secure your devices, preserve crucial digital evidence, and connect you with resources to help you build a new, safe life.

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1. What is metadata and why is it a risk?

Metadata is hidden data, like a photo's location information. It is a risk because an abuser can use this information to track your movements, even if you are in a safe, private location.

2. Can an abuser track me through my photos?

Yes, if the metadata on the photo is not wiped before you share it, an abuser can use it to determine the exact location where the photo was taken.

3. Should I delete all my photos with metadata?

No. Do not delete any photos or files that could serve as evidence of abuse. Instead, learn how to safely wipe the metadata from a copy of the photo before you share it. Consult with a legal aid professional for guidance on preserving evidence.

4. Where can I get a safe phone or computer in San Diego?

The San Diego Family Justice Center and local domestic violence shelters often have resources available, including safe computers with secure internet access.

5. What is the best way to save digital evidence for court?

Take screenshots of all relevant messages and posts, ensuring the sender, date, and time are visible. Save these files to a new, secure cloud service or a USB drive that the abuser cannot access.

6. Can an abuser use a smart home device to track me?

Yes. Abusers can use shared accounts on smart home devices like cameras and speakers for surveillance. It is important to disable or factory reset any devices that an abuser may have access to.

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