Online Safety

Protect Yourself Online

Take advantage of your web browser’s Private Browsing or Incognito Mode whenever possible to conceal your web activity from anyone else who can access your device. No web browsing activity in this Private/Incognito window will be recorded in your browser history once you close the window. We strongly advise browsing the PFC site and any other potentially sensitive websites using a Private browsing option.
- On Google Chrome: click the 3 dotted Settings option and select New Incognito Window.
- On Safari: with Safari open, click File from the top Mac toolbar, and select New Private Window
- On Firefox: Click the Settings hamburger menu icon (Ξ) and select New Private Window.
- Please note: PFC provides an EXIT THIS SITE button in our navigation menu above that leads to a different third-party website. If you are browsing in a regular session, this does not protect you from the browser history reflecting our website. It is strongly recommended to browse in Private mode whenever possible while also using the quick exit strategy as illustrated in the next point.

Quick Summary

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Close this tab by pressing CTRL and W on your keyboard, or CMD (⌘) and W if you are using a Mac.

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Use your web browser’s Private Browsing/Incognito mode to visit websites without leaving a browsing history trail.

You can quickly close a tab on your web browser (when using a desktop or laptop computer) using this shortcut:
- On PC: press CTRL and W together on your keyboard
- On Mac: press CMD (⌘) and W together on your keyboard
- Please note: this method only quickly closes your current tab. Most modern web browsers have a functionality to retrieve recently closed tabs.

Do not use easily identifiable passwords with common birthdays, names, pet names, or any English words (even if the word has numbers substituted for letters). Create a separate password for your email, online banking, social media accounts etc. that only you will know, and are not written down or shared anywhere else.You may try using a Password Manager to remember your passwords, and assign a master password to the Manager to cover all your passwords. However, be careful if you share your computer or device with another person.
Only use your own device and refrain from using other devices, even if the device belongs to a family member or friend. Do not share devices or login to email/social media accounts with anyone.
Try to use the internet at a trusted family member or friend’s residence, if you suspect your partner may be attempting to listen in. Never use public WiFi that is not secured.

Set up an alternate email address for the express purpose of signing up for online forums or social media, separate from the email address you use for general correspondence.
Refrain from tagging yourself in photos or at specific locations, on social media. This identifies your current location, or where you may have been when a photo was taken. If someone else is taking a photo of you, politely but firmly ask them not to tag you or your location.
Turn off Location settings on your mobile device. This can serve as a beacon for social media, as well as providing location info in case someone has placed a tracking app on your device without your knowledge.