January 28, 2021
By Wendell Thomas
As a society, we have been relying on and using digital technology more and more to connect and live. The COVID-19 pandemic has moved us more into the digital space as we work-from-home, virtually attend school, and use electronic forms of communication 24/7 as a way of life. This means that increased knowledge about cybercrime is more important now than ever. While January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month, we should also raise awareness of cyberstalking at any time during the year.
So, what is cyberstalking and what are the steps you can take to protect yourself?
What is Stalking?
Most of us might be aware of the meaning of stalking. We’ve either have experienced it first-hand, know someone who experienced it or have seen it in movies or television. Stalking can involve secretly following the victim, consistent and devious phone calls, sending unwanted gifts, and other means of unwanted physical contact. For more information on stalking behaviors, visit our facts about Stalking page.
What is Cyberstalking?
Like stalking, cyberstalking is intended to threaten, harass, and embarrass, only with cyberstalking, technology is used. The technology used by cyberstalkers can include social media, email, instant messaging (text and SMS), computers, mobile devices, and information available on the Internet. Over the past ten years, instances of reported cyberstalking have risen as stalkers have more access to victims’ personal information from online and social media platforms.
Cyberstalking poses additional threats, such as sexual harassment, sexual extortion, and damaging a person’s reputation. When you add physical and cyberstalking, the threats are compounded and pose more significant harm. Our new normal, being totally virtual for work, school, and a host of other activities, makes it easier for cyberstalkers and cyberbullies to track and harass users.
Here a few key tips to safety plan against cyberstalking:
- Search your full name with your city and state on Google or your preferred search engine. This can show you any information about you that‘s publicly available online. This can be an ideal step as you adjust your online privacy settings.
- Check your credit report regularly. You are entitled to a free credit report once a year from the three credit reporting companies which are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can also sign up for free credit monitoring services such as Credit Karma, which will provide alerts on your credit report activity.
- Do not accept “Friend Requests” from strangers. Remember when you were a kid, and your parents told you “don‘t talk to strangers?” This advice also applies online. Only accept friend requests from people you have met in person.
Review and update your social media profile. When creating a handle, try to choose gender-neutral and age-neutral profile name. You can also ask your friends and family never to give out your details to anyone. - Review your social media privacy settings. For instance, on Facebook, change your security settings only to allow friends to post on your wall. Turn off facial recognition because if a friend posts a picture of you, Facebook recognizes you and automatically tags you to the image. Turn off location services on Facebook and other social media platforms such as Instagram. Location services can help you discover cool places near you but can also be used to pinpoint the neighborhood you live in or the hip brunch spot you will meet your friends.
- Change your passwords frequently. It can be once a month or once every three months. You can set a reminder to change your password. Create passwords using phrases that are easy to remember, or if your internet browser recommends a password, use it, and document it. For additional protection, take advantage of your bank, social media, email provider‘s two-factor authentication (2FA). If someone gets ahold of your password, they will also have to enter a PIN, and you will be alerted about the attempt to access your account.
- Take the time to secure your computer and mobile device (phones and tablets)
- Avoid sending personal information over public Wi-Fi. Do not conduct financial or personal business where you may enter social security and other private information while surfing at Starbucks or places with access to free Wi-Fi. Instead, do personal business on a secure private network or utilize a virtual private network (VPN).
- Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software to scan your computer for viruses and spyware. A stalker can remotely install spyware on your computer to send everything you type back to them. Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware up to date and run scans frequently.
- Cover your webcam when not in use. You will be surprised to know that even Facebook‘s Mark Zuckerberg covers his webcam.
- Never open attachments or click on links in an email from people you do not know or trust.
- Be careful what you post online. The more information you post about yourself, the more information someone can use to stalk you. Do not post your home address, phone number, or personal information like your favorite coffee shop.
How to report cyberstalking
Although cyberstalking laws differ from state–to–state, you should still consider reporting any stalking activity to your local law enforcement agency. The process may not be as fast as you see on TV detective dramas, and it may take some time to resolve. Your first impulse might be to delete the stalker‘s messages or recordings, however, these digital records can help you build a case. Try to keep digital records or copies of harassing emails, messaging, recordings, and screenshots as evidence.
You can also report the stalker to the platform on which the harassment occurs. For example, you can go to the Facebook Help Center for instructions on what to do if you‘re cyberstalked. It could take some time, but most social media platforms and websites have strict policies against stalking. After reporting, you could block the stalker and stop interacting with them.
Though cyberstalking remains a constant threat, being vigilant and taking some of these steps will help safeguard yourself against it.
If you are a victim of cyberstalking and seeking help, please call Safe Horizon’s hotline at 1(800) 621–4673 (HOPE) or visit our website at https://www.safehorizon.org/get-help/stalking/.