If you are concerned about your device’s privacy and security, it can be important to regularly check phones, tablets, and streaming devices to see whether they have been rooted or jailbroken. “Rooted” means that someone has gained the ability to administer or manage the device’s operating system. The operating system supports the device’s [...]

In recent years, co-parenting and visitation apps have become increasingly popular as a tool for divorced or separated parents to communicate about issues related to their children. Parents may choose to use such an app voluntarily, or in some cases, courts may order parents to communicate with each other through an app about [...]

Spyware and stalkerware refer to tools – apps, software programs, and devices – that let an unauthorized person (such as an abuser) secretly monitor and record information about your computer. The term “stalkerware” is a more recent term that draws attention to the invasive, intrusive, and dangerous misuse of these tools. Stalkerware may [...]

Location privacy is critical to safety. Phones and apps can share location with other people, sometimes without our knowledge. In addition, location tracking devices and built-in GPS in cars can all be misused to monitor location. Location tools can also be used to increase safety (to know where your children or pets are), [...]

Smartphones are integrated into our lives in a way that allows us, and potentially others, to access a lot of personal information, including our activities, social circles, and even our location. The following information will help you assess whether you think your activities and location are being monitored through your smartphone and offer [...]

For spyware to have been placed on your phone, it is most likely that someone would have needed physical access to the device. If someone did have physical access to your phone, and they knew your passcode, it is possible that spyware may have been placed on your phone. This article, however, will help you [...]

Security cameras and home surveillance systems have become more affordable, easy to install, and more commonplace. The intended purpose is to increase safety by deterring crime, or by capturing evidence that can be used to prove a crime. Although current research[i] is mixed about whether or not video surveillance truly reduces all forms [...]

Many health and medical devices are now connected to the Internet, offering to help track information for the user, or even send that information to a doctor. Unfortunately, these devices and systems can provide yet another, highly invasive way that technology can be misused to monitor, harass, threaten, or harm a survivor. At [...]

While driverless vehicles are yet to be on Australian roads, more and more ordinary passenger cars are coming off the lot already “connected,” allowing parents to monitor and control teenage drivers and employers to monitor employee driving habits. In addition, small gadgets can be attached to a car to allow for remote monitoring, [...]

‘Smart’ and ‘connected’ toys that promise to entertain, increase safety, and connect us to our kids and pets while we’re away from home are flooding into the Australian marketplace. These devices may offer domestic and family violence survivors new ways to increase their privacy and safety, by understanding the privacy settings and using [...]