Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is a form of harassment that can take many different forms, including but not limited to: kidnap, rape, theft, and murder. According to statistics, women are the majority of cyberstalking victims in almost every part of the world. However, men are also stalked and experience cyberharassment. ..

Digital stalking has evolved over time, with more sophisticated methods being used to harass and intimidate victims. ..

But Here are some ways to recognize a stalker:

1. Unnecessary engagements on social media

There are a few ways to protect yourself from stalkers. One is to be aware of the platforms where they post and be sure to remove any comments or messages that are not appropriate. Another way is to use technology to protect yourself from stalkers. For example, you can use a phone app that blocks calls and texts from people who you do not want contacting you.

2. Hacking

While hacking is almost always used for internet fraud and identity theft, some stalkers use repeated hacking as a means of torture to their intended victims. They get into their accounts, allow them to recover the accounts, and hack them again, getting off on the distress they are causing. If your social media accounts are getting hacked way too often, you are most likely being stalked.

3. Threats/Blackmail 

The stalkers use threats to scare their targets into submission. They send messages, emails, or DMs to the target pretending to have personal information and use the target’s fear of being exposed to extort money and make all kinds of lewd requests.

4. Excessive tagging

Cyber stalkers will often post about their targets in unrelated or uninterested posts in an attempt to draw attention and open up a conversation for more harassment. This can be done in an offensive, embarrassing, violent, or inappropriate way. ..

5. Fake followership

Cyber stalkers use multiple fake social media accounts to follow their target and keep tabs on them. These accounts are usually dormant with no posts, no followership, and they could have a picture or two.

How do you tackle Cyber Stalkers?

1. Be bold.

Their first demand is to take you back into a corner and shake in fear so that you are more susceptible to their demands. Do the exact opposite and stand up for yourself.

2. Ignore

In a situation where it is obvious you are being goaded into opening a conversation, don’t. Block whoever keeps tagging you, texting you, or leaving comments on your social media pages. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stand up for yourself but know when to fight back and when to ignore.

3. Strengthen your security.

Cyber security is a top priority for any business, and it’s important to take measures to protect your online presence. You can reduce the risk of identity theft and hacking by using two-factor authentication and other extra security measures. never use weak or predictable passwords, remember to log out of your accounts if you logged in on a device that’s not yours, be careful of how excited you get over using public open WiFi, and try not to use your full name as your user ID on public platforms.

4. Get ahead of them

In a situation where you are being threatened or blackmailed and you are unsure of the truth of the matter, take action. Record every conversation and save recordings of every voice note. Make sure you have evidence of everything. You render them powerless when you speak up. If you’re being stalked, say something.

5. Be careful

Be careful what you post online. The internet is not a safe place to share just anything, especially intimate or personal information. Whatever you post is permanently open to millions of people that you’ve never met before. Not everything is meant to go online, not just for safety purposes but for integrity’s sake. Keep your information to yourself and be careful who you allow access to your devices because chances are that a cyber stalker might be someone who knows you. ..

6. Don’t leave your devices open.

Keep your phone and laptop with you at all times, especially when in crowded places. Never leave your devices unlocked or open, as someone could easily plant something on them and have you in their hands.

Cyberstalking is a form of stalking that takes place through the use of technology. It can be done through email, social media, or even in person. Cyberstalking can have serious consequences for the victim, as it can cause anxiety, depression, and even physical harm. It is important to be digitally vigilant in order to protect yourself and your loved ones from this type of stalking.