Digital Behavior and Security Measures
Key Insights
Patterns Identified
Survivors altered their digital behavior in
response to threats, often without consulting
technical experts. These changes were not
necessarily protective in a positive sense, as they
limited their online presence while also reducing
exposure to harm. Many participants in the KII’s
reported deactivating their accounts, using
pseudonyms, or limiting engagement to
encrypted platforms. However, only a few
mentioned adopting digital security measures
that could enhance their online safety, such as
enabling two-factor authentication, setting up
login alerts, or deactivating inactive accounts to
reduce their digital footprint⁴.
• Minimized Digital Presence: Many survivors
Illustrative
Reflections
One participant shared that they deleted all their
social media accounts and now only
communicate through secure apps.
“I deleted all my social media
accounts and only use encrypted apps
now. I feel like I’ve lost my voice, but
it’s the only way to feel safe.”
Others described avoiding posting personal
opinions or photographs online due to fear of
exploitation.
reduced their visibility online to mitigate
further risks, often by limiting their
engagement or avoiding certain platforms.
However these actions did not necessarily
remove traces of their digital footprint1,
leaving them potentially vulnerable to
continued threats
• Adoption of Security Practices: Some sought
to educate themselves on the basics of digital
security, adopting tools like encrypted
messaging apps such as Signal to safeguard
their communications. Additionally, a few
participants implemented measures like
enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and
setting up login alerts to enhance their online
safety.
Discussion
While these measures provide short-term safety,
they also restrict survivors’ ability to fully engage
with the digital world, highlighting a need for
systemic solutions that ensure safety without
sacrificing agency.
“I changed my name online to avoid
being tracked, but I still feel exposed.
No matter what I do, I’m always
worried.”
4 Digital footprints are trails of data that people leave behind as they use the Internet. These footprints include all the digital interactions and information associated with
a person across various online platforms and services, including social media, online purchases, web browsing history, app usage, and location data.
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