Cover Your Tracks Online

History / Cache File

If someone knows how to read your computer’s history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), they may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the internet. You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser’s settings, as explained further below for some web browsers.

This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browsers have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the internet may be at a local library, a friend’s house, or at work.

Internet Explorer (any version)

By default, the menu may be hidden. Press the Alt key on the keyboard to display the menu. In the Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General page, under Browsing History, click on “Delete”. Make sure the “Temporary Internet files”, “Cookies’, and “History” checkboxes are checked. Click on “Delete”.

Private Browsing for Internet Explorer 8 or 9

Alternatively, before navigating to a website, use Internet Explorer’s “InPrivate Browsing” which tells the browser not to remember anything you do from that point onwards until you close the browser. This can be accessed by going to the Safety dropdown menu and selecting InPrivate Browsing.

Additional Option for Internet Explorer 9

You can also access the Safety menu by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right hand corner of the window. Then select Safety and click on Delete browsing history.

Google Chrome

Click the spanner icon on the browser toolbar. Select Tools. Select Clear browsing data. In the dialogue that appears, select the “Clear browsing history” checkbox. Select beginning of time to clear your entire browsing history. Click Clear browsing data. In the dialogue that appears, click Clear browsing history, Clear download history, Empty the cache, Delete cookies and other site data.

Firefox

Before navigating to a website, use Firefox’s “Private Browsing” which tells the browser not to remember anything you do from that point onwards until you close the browser. This can be accessed by going to the Tools menu and selecting Start Private Browsing.

If you have already started browsing you can clear your history by going to the Tools menu, then select Clear Recent History. Under “Time Range to Clear” select “Everything”. Make sure all checkbox items that have now appeared in the Details area are checked. Click “Clear Now”.

E-mail

If anyone has access to your e-mail account, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password they will not be able to guess. If anyone sends you threatening or harassing e-mail messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse. Additionally, the messages may constitute a criminal offence. For more information, contact the Police.