Tips to browse safely online

Protect your privacy online

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Here are some simple tips to help protect your privacy and reduce the chances of others seeing your online activity.

This advice may not fully hide your visit. The safest way to browse the internet is by using a public computer, such as one at your local library, a friend’s house, or your workplace.

The ‘Quick exit’ button

Some pages on this website include a ‘Quick exit’ button, with the choice of going to either the ABC or Facebook. This button allows you to hide what you’re viewing by closing this website and opening either Facebook or the ABC in a new window.

You can also press the ESC button on your keyboard to achieve the same result. (function to be confirmed)

Important: The ‘Close this site’   button does not delete your browser history. If someone checks your browser history, they will still be able to see the websites you visited.

Clear your browsing history on a regular basis

Web browsers store your browsing history, cookies, and cached data. While this can make it easier to revisit websites, it also allows others to see your activity.

To protect your privacy, delete your browsing history on a regular basis. You can delete all data or select specific items to remove.

Instructions for clearing your browsing history:

PC short cut: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
Mac short cut: Command + Shift + Delete

  1. Open Opera
  2. Click the Opera logo in the top left corner
  3. Click “History” > ”Clear browsing data”
  4. Choose time range

Choose items you want to delete and press “Clear”.

PC short cut: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
Mac short cut: Command + Shift + Delete

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox
  2. Click the three-dot menu on the top-right corner
  3. Click “History” > “Clear Recent History”

Choose time range and items you want to delete and press “Clear”.

Short cut: Command + Y

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Click on “History” > “Clear History”

Choose a time range and time you want to delete and press “Clear”.

PC short cut: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
Mac short cut: Command + Shift + Delete

  1. Open Chrome or Internet Explorer
  2. Click the three-dot menu on the top-right corner
  3. Click “Delete browsing history”

Choose time range and items you want to delete and press “Clear now/delete data”.

Use private browsing

Private browsing prevents your browser from saving your history, cookies, and cached data during a session. It does not hide your activity from websites, your internet service provider, or anyone with access to your device.

How to enable private browsing:

  • Internet Explorer & Chrome: Click the three-dot menu on the top-right corner > ‘New Incognito Window’.
  • Mozilla Firefox: Click the three-line menu on the top-right corner > ‘New Private Window’.
  • Safari: Go to File > ‘New Private Window’.
  • Opera: Click the Opera logo in the top left-hand corner > ‘Private mode’.

Accounts and passwords

  • Avoid using the auto-save password feature on your browser.
  • Always log out of your accounts when you’re finished.

Use other computers or devices

If you’re concerned about someone monitoring your internet use, consider using a device they can’t access. This could be a computer at a library or a trusted friend’s device.

Remember: Don’t save passwords or stay logged into accounts on shared devices.