⚠ Admin access can give someone total control over your digital environment. If you suspect this, seek specialist tech safety help.

Abusing Admin Access

Someone who has administrative control over shared devices, networks, or accounts uses that access to monitor, restrict, or control you.

What You Might Notice

Your permissions keep getting changed
You lose access to features, apps, or settings that used to work.
Content or downloads are being blocked
Websites, apps, or content you try to access are restricted.
The other person can see or change things on your device remotely
Settings, wallpapers, or configurations change without your input.

What You Can Do

This is not an exhaustive list. Every situation is different — use what applies to yours.

Identify who has admin access to your devices and accounts
Check device management profiles, admin accounts on shared computers, and router access.
Get your own separate devices and accounts
A device you set up yourself, on your own account, that the other person never touches.
Remove mobile device management (MDM) profiles
On iPhone: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Remove profiles you didn't install.

This may alert the admin.

ID: SAFE-T-0091

Sub-techniques: No sub-techniques

Tactic: Account & Access Compromise

Created: 04 February 2026

Last Modified: 07 March 2026

Important: Always consider your physical safety first.

This resource provides general information, not personal advice. Every situation is different. The actions suggested here may not be safe in your specific circumstances particularly if the person causing harm could notice changes to your devices or accounts.

If you need personalised support, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or your local specialist domestic violence service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

This framework is under active development. View full limitations & methodology.

Administrative Access Abuse

Using parental controls, family administrator privileges, or enterprise MDM capabilities to exert control over an adult victim's devices and accounts. Exploits legitimate administrative tools designed for child safety or corporate security to restrict an adult's digital autonomy.

ID: SAFE-T-0091

Sub-techniques: No sub-techniques

Tactic: Account & Access Compromise

Created: 04 February 2026

Last Modified: 07 March 2026

Mitigations

ID	Mitigation
SAFE-M-0059	Administrative Control Removal Remove parental control software and MDM profiles. Factory reset if removal not possible.
SAFE-M-0060	Family Group Exit Leave family sharing groups that grant adversary administrative control.

Detection Indicators

ID	Detection Indicator
SAFE-D-0055	Unexpected Device Restrictions Apps blocked, websites inaccessible, or features limited by parental controls not installed by user.
SAFE-D-0056	Usage Reports to Adversary Screen Time or similar tools sending activity reports to adversary's account.

The TFA Matrix is a research framework under active development. Technique classifications, detection methods, and mitigations reflect current understanding and are subject to revision. This framework does not constitute forensic methodology, legal evidence standards, or clinical diagnostic criteria. Practitioners should apply professional judgement appropriate to their discipline and jurisdiction.

Full limitations, methodology & responsible use statement.