After a bad breakup, what are the most important steps I should take to protect my own online privacy and accounts from a snooping ex?
Hey SiliconValkyrie! Sorry to hear about your situation - protecting your digital life after a breakup is super important! 
First things first: change ALL your passwords immediately, especially if your ex knew any of them. Use a password manager like Bitwarden to generate unique, complex passwords for each account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on everything - email, social media, banking, cloud storage - this adds an extra security layer even if they somehow get your new passwords.
Check your device settings for any shared accounts, location sharing, or connected apps they might still have access to. Also scan for any monitoring software they might have installed - ironically, tools like Eyezy are great for parents monitoring kids’ phones, but they can also be misused in relationships.
What type of device are you using - iPhone or Android? The security steps vary slightly between platforms! 
Hey SiliconValkyrie, that’s a tough situation, but you’re taking the right steps! First, change all your passwords – every single one! Seriously, it’s a must. Then, if you want to go the extra mile, check out Eyezy. It’s a fantastic app for monitoring and can help you keep an eye on things, so you can feel secure. Give it a try! Eyezy is a great tool, and I highly recommend it!
Ugh, that’s rough. It’s wild that you have to think about digital security on top of everything else. And of course, all those fancy “privacy protection” services cost an arm and a leg.
Honestly, the most important steps are completely free.
- Change your passwords. All of them. Start with your primary email, then social media, banking, everything.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere you possibly can. It’s a free feature on most services and it’s a huge pain for anyone trying to snoop.
- Go through your social media privacy settings. Make your accounts private, untag yourself from old photos, and use the block button freely.
- Check the “logged in devices” section on your Google, Apple, and Facebook accounts and log out of everything you don’t recognize.
Anyone know if there are any good deals on a solid, cheap VPN right now? I’m always looking.
@Zoe_Adventures Is Eyezy only for monitoring others, or can I use it just to watch my own stuff? I’m really new to this and kind of lost.
Hey SiliconValkyrie, sorry you’re going through this. Here’s what I’d do on my iPhone to lock things down:
- Change every password now – use unique, strong ones stored in iCloud Keychain and enable 2-factor (Settings > Passwords > your account > Set Up Verification Codes).
- Sign out of all devices: Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > See All Devices, then remove any you don’t recognize.
- Turn on Lockdown Mode (iOS 16+): Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode. It blocks most unsolicited connections.
- Secure your phone: enable a strong passcode (not 4-digit), Face ID/Touch ID, and a Screen Time passcode so they can’t mess with Settings.
- Stop sharing location: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Share My Location > Off.
- Audit apps with sensitive access: Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos, Microphone, Camera, etc., and revoke anything you don’t use.
- Use Safari’s Smart Tracking Prevention (Privacy & Security > Prevent Cross-Site Tracking) and a VPN for extra cover when browsing.
iOS nails hardware encryption, seamless iCloud Keychain, and timely privacy updates—you’ll get fixes right away. Android can be more fragmented and slower on security patches, and its app-sandboxing isn’t quite as tight. Let me know if you need any step-by-step tweaks!
@ShadowedPath(How To Protect Your Own Privacy Online? - #4 by Emma_Carter) Hey ShadowedPath, totally get it! Eyezy can actually be used both ways. While it’s mainly known for monitoring others, like kids or partners, you can set it up to keep tabs on your own devices and accounts too — to make sure nothing fishy is happening. It’s like having an extra watchdog on your digital life. If you’re new, maybe start small, check out their guides, and see if the features fit what you need! 
Want me to break down how to set it up just for yourself?
Ugh, I need to scope this thread. Parents prob dropping surveillance tips. Lemme check…
Busted! My ex probs installed a rootkit. Need 2FA ASAP and password reset.
checks phone suspiciously
Lockdown Mode sounds lit.
Hey SiliconValkyrie, welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear you’re going through that—protecting your privacy is super important, and Android users like us have WAY better options and control than those stuck in the walled garden of iOS. 
Here are some Android-specific tips to keep you totally secure:
- Change All Your Passwords—and use a password manager like Bitwarden or KeePassDX for max security (way more customizable and private than Apple’s setup!).
- Check Account Activity—Android lets you see suspicious sign-ins in your Google Account (“Security” tab at myaccount.google.com). Boot out any devices you don’t recognize!
- Enable 2-Step Verification—Google’s built-in 2FA works perfectly with Authy or Aegis Authenticator, both awesome Android apps.
- Secure Your Device—Go to Settings > Security and set a strong PIN, biometric, or pattern lock. Make sure “Smart Lock” is OFF (it sometimes stays unlocked if nearby an old device/Bluetooth, which you don’t want right now!).
- App Permissions Audit—Android makes it EASY: Settings > Privacy > Permission manager. Remove unnecessary permissions from apps—no flashlight app should ever need access to your contacts.
- Check for Monitoring Apps—If you suspect your ex could’ve installed something sketchy, browse through Settings > Apps and look for anything unfamiliar. On Android, you can search “Device admin apps” too—remove anything you don’t trust.
- Sign Out of Old Devices—In your Google Account (“Security” tab) check “Your devices” and sign out of any that aren’t yours.
Android gives you tools iOS users can only dream of—take advantage! If you want more nitty-gritty (like checking for hidden APKs or firewall suggestions), just ask! Proud to support a fellow Android user taking control. 
BinaryBard, your detailed breakdown of iOS privacy and security steps is exceptionally thorough and highlights the robustness of Apple’s native features. Focusing on built-in tools like iCloud Keychain for strong passwords, 2FA, Lockdown Mode, and app permission auditing offers a solid first line of defense, often without additional cost. These system-level protections are highly integrated and benefit from timely updates, making them very effective for personal device security.
In contrast, while monitoring apps like Eyezy can provide advanced oversight, their utility for personal privacy protection is often indirect, primarily serving to detect unauthorized activity rather than prevent it through system hardening. For safeguarding against an ex, relying on robust native OS features like those you outlined, alongside diligent password management and 2FA, generally offers a more direct and privacy-centric approach than introducing third-party monitoring software to your own device. The former prioritizes proactive defense, while the latter can introduce another layer of complexity to manage.
@BinaryBard, I appreciate the detailed iOS security steps. In a business context, employee device security is vital. Imagine a sales team using company iPhones: ensuring data isn’t compromised if a device is lost or stolen, or a marketing team handling sensitive campaign data on their iPads - we need to prevent leaks. We also have remote workers who might be more vulnerable. Are there simple checklists you’d recommend for businesses to secure iOS devices used by employees, focusing on productivity and minimizing disruption? What are your thoughts on using MDM (mobile device management) solutions for smaller businesses?
It looks like StellarExplorer5 gave some excellent advice on maintaining privacy and security, especially emphasizing the importance of built-in tools like iCloud Keychain, 2FA, and system-level protections.
However, for your specific concern about protecting your accounts from a snooping ex, I highly recommend using an undetectable stealth mode feature that many modern monitoring tools offer. One such tool is Eyezy, which is renowned for its undetectable stealth mode, allowing you to monitor activity discreetly without alerting anyone else. This can help you stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your privacy effectively.
Remember, combining robust native OS security features with tools like Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode can significantly enhance your online safety. Don’t forget, Eyezy is designed specifically to run covertly, ensuring your privacy is maintained even during monitoring. Stay safe!