Cyberstalking: How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats

It’s undeniable that society today has been creating intricately woven lives around social media—and most of them fabricate to get attention. 

Those who have that intention manifest it in their social media followers. However, this kind of new attention and popularity they are receiving also has its downside. 

Cyberstalking has emerged as a sinister threat. 

It transcends mere online harassment; it is a deliberate attempt to gather personal information, to intimidate, and to intrude into the private lives of individuals. 

Disturbingly, cybersecurity statistics reveal that 20% of individuals suspect that a romantic partner might be capable of installing cyberstalking applications on their devices.

With cyber threats becoming more common, it has never been more important to protect yourself from cyberstalking. This involvement shows how important it is to raise awareness and come up with safety measures to stop cyberstalking before it gets worse.

In this article, we will go over what cyberstalking is, recognise the signs of being stalked online, take preventive measures, and learn how to respond to cyberstalking. 

What is cyberstalking? 

Cyberstalking is a form of online harassment.

This is the digital version of traditional stalking. It involves using the internet and technology to persistently follow, harass, threaten, or gather information about someone without their permission. 

People who stalk others online may be doing it for a variety of reasons, such as revenge, control, or love. No matter what the reason, stalking is always intrusive  and terrifying for the other person.

Common Forms of Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Email Stalking: This involves direct communication through emails, often bombarding the victim with harassing messages.
• Internet Stalking: This broader category includes various forms of online harassment, such as social media stalking, where perpetrators use the internet to monitor and intimidate.
• Computer Stalking: This involves the unauthorised control or hacking of the victim's computer to spy, gather information, or manipulate data.

Additional prevalent tactics include:

• Tracking online activities or physical location without consent.
• Identity theft for financial exploitation or any means to live that person’s life.
• Spreading false accusations or derogatory statements online to take advantage of someone.
• Blackmailing with personal information or photos.
• Doxxing or publishing private information online
• Disrupting the victim’s digital life through malicious software.
• Creating and sharing threatening, manipulated images or videos of the victim.

Tools and Techniques Used by Cyberstalkers

Cyberstalkers utilise various tools and techniques to carry out their activities, including, but not limited to:

1. Direct messaging through email
2. Instant messaging apps, as well as through calls or texts. 

They often employ surveillance technologies to monitor and follow their victims’ movements both online and in the physical world. Moreover, they could use social engineering to get private information, break into personal accounts, or pretend to be the victim or someone in their circle.

Legal Classification and Penalties of Cyberstalking

The way the law handles cyberstalking is changing. In the mid-1990s, countries like Australia started passing laws to deal with this crime. It is recognised as a serious crime under the laws of many countries, reflecting an acknowledgement of the profound effects it can have on individuals.

Cyberstalking laws vary by jurisdiction but generally involve penalties for harassment, unauthorised access, identity theft, and other related crimes. The challenge lies in the transnational nature of the internet, necessitating international cooperation for effective legal action.

These laws often include provisions for the prosecution of various forms of online harassment and stalking, outlining severe penalties for perpetrators.

 It's important for victims to familiarise themselves with the laws applicable in their region to understand their rights and the legal actions they can pursue.

Resources for Legal Support and Counseling

Several organisations and legal entities offer support to victims of cyberstalking. 

Counseling services are available to help cyberstalking victims deal with the mental stress that comes from being stalked online, as well as legal advice on how to file complaints and know your rights. 

Recognising the Signs of Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking, a pervasive and invasive form of harassment, manifests through various signs that individuals should be vigilant of: 

• Unwanted and repeated online communication is a primary red flag, with victims receiving incessant emails, social media messages, and texts that they have explicitly expressed no interest in.
• Unsolicited and inappropriate messages or gifts can surface, crossing boundaries and making recipients feel uncomfortable or threatened. 
• Online surveillance and location tracking are ways for stalkers to keep an eye on someone's activities and movements without their permission.
• Impersonation and identity theft emerge as critical signs, with perpetrators stealing personal information to misuse in creating fake profiles or conducting fraudulent activities in the victim's name. 

Awareness and early recognition of these signs are crucial steps in preventing further harassment and seeking help.

Preventive Measures

To protect oneself from becoming a victim of cyberstalking, implementing stringent preventive measures is essential. These include:

• Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication: Utilise complex passwords for different online accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
• Privacy settings on social media and personal devices: Regularly update privacy settings to control who can view your information and posts, and secure personal devices with passwords or biometric locks.
• Safe browsing and communication practices: Be cautious of the websites you visit and the information you share online. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Use of encryption tools: Employ encryption tools for sensitive communications, ensuring that personal messages and data are safeguarded from unauthorised access.

Monitoring Online Presence

Staying vigilant about one’s online footprint can significantly reduce the risk of cyberstalking:

• Regularly check for unusual activities: Monitor your accounts for any unauthorised access or strange activities that suggest someone else might be logging into them.
• Google yourself to identify any leaked information: Periodically search your name on search engines to see if any personal information or unexpected content appears.
• Avoiding oversharing online: Be mindful of the amount and nature of personal information shared on social media platforms and online forums.
• Be cautious of the information shared on social media: Think twice before posting locations, routines, or other details that stalkers might use to follow your movements or discover your habits.

How to Respond to Cyberstalking

When faced with cyberstalking, it’s important to know the steps to take to protect oneself and potentially stop the harassment. 

Here's how to respond:

• Documenting evidence of stalking behaviour: Keep detailed records of all incidents related to cyberstalking, including screenshots, dates, times, and the nature of the communication. This documentation can be crucial for legal actions or when seeking help.
• Reporting to authorities and online platforms: Report the cyberstalking incidents to local law enforcement and the online platforms where the harassment occurred. Many social media sites have mechanisms for reporting abuse and harassment, which can lead to the stalker’s accounts being suspended or banned.
• Seeking support from professionals and support groups: Do not face cyberstalking alone. Reach out to professionals, such as psychologists or counsellors, who understand the emotional impact of cyberstalking. 

Moreover, support groups can offer advice and empathy from others who have experienced similar situations, providing a sense of community and understanding.

Wrap Up

Understanding and safeguarding against cyber threats is pivotal in today's digital age. 

The pervasive nature of cyberstalking highlights the urgent need for individuals to adopt protective measures to safeguard their online presence. 

By staying informed about the laws, utilising available resources for support, and adopting vigilant online practices, individuals can significantly mitigate the risks associated with cyberstalking. 

It's crucial that we not only take proactive steps to protect ourselves but also work collectively to raise awareness and combat this form of digital harassment.