Cyberstalking Definition, Types And Best Practices

By TechDogs Editorial Team

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Overview

Have you watched the Netflix show YOU? It's about a guy named Joe Goldberg, who gets extremely obsessed with different partners. He stalks and even manipulates them in twisted ways - but remember, it's just a TV show!

In YOU, a big part of Joe's obsession involves cyberstalking - going through social media profiles, hacking accounts and invading the online privacy of his partners. This unhealthy fixation ruins Joe's relationships, leading to lies and deception as he tries to manipulate his partners based on what he finds online.

The show looks at how easy it has become to cyberstalk someone with the amount of information available online these days. It makes you think about privacy concerns and how unhealthy, obsessive mindsets can be even more dangerous with technology. Joe's romantic obsession leads to a dark place as he can digitally stalk and spy on people online. Sounds scary?

Well, in this article we will be discussing Cyberstalking, its types and ways to prevent it. So, if you want to be cautious – read on!

Have you ever had a scary feeling that someone is following or stalking you? That feeling of being watched can be really disturbing. However, nowadays, stalking can also happen online!

Shockingly, as per a study by Pew Research Center, around 13% of women and 5% of men have experienced cyberstalking involving threats of harm or sustained harassment. These numbers show how privacy is often just an idea, not a reality, in today's world where anyone's personal information can be accessed online.

Cyberstalking is a serious invasion of privacy and a violation of personal boundaries. We often don’t understand how Cyberstalking can disturb a victim’s mental health, causing emotional distress and trauma. As our lives get more digitalized, the issue of Cyberstalking will keep growing in our society.

So, before we get into how to prevent Cyberstalking, let’s understand what it means closely.

Understanding Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is a cybercrime where people use the internet and technology to repeatedly harass or stalk someone. It's like cyberbullying and real-life stalking but happens through text messages, emails, social media posts and other online mediums.

At first, cyberstalking may seem harmless, even amusing to some. However, it quickly becomes frightening when the unwanted interactions continue, even after the victim asks for it to stop. What starts as seemingly innocent communication turns into a systematic campaign of harassment and invasion of privacy. Cyberstalking robs people of their sense of safety and peace of mind in the digital spaces they inhabit.

There are various ways this cybercrime takes place, so let’s understand the types of Cyberstalking.

Types Of Cyberstalking

Here are the five types of cyberstalking:

Online Harassment

This involves the stalker sending a relentless stream of unwanted and disturbing messages, comments or posts directed at the victim. It can include threats of violence, death threats, defamation, insults or abusive language.
Identity Theft

Cyberstalkers may create fake accounts impersonating the victim or steal their personal information. They may post as the victim, sending communications that damage their reputation, relationships or employment prospects.
Tracking

Cyberstalkers employ various technologies to illegally monitor and track their targets. This includes hacking accounts, installing spyware on devices, exploiting location data from apps or hijacking webcams/mics for secret recordings.
Cyberbullying

The stalker engages in harmful bullying of the victim online by maliciously sharing their private/sensitive information and content without consent. This includes information like addresses, phone numbers and explicit photos/videos to defame and harass the victim.
Constant Monitoring

The stalker often keeps a constant tab on the victim’s online presence and life. They might check the victim’s social media accounts and comment on every post or activity. Eventually, they may even try to communicate over calls, texts, emails or messages across digital channels.

These insidious behaviors often inflict severe psychological trauma and emotional distress. It’s crucial to identify cyberstalking and act against it. How, you ask?

Let’s have a look at just that in the next segment!

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How To Prevent Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. While it's essential to raise awareness and strengthen legal measures to combat this crime, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves. Here are the top five tips to prevent cyberstalking:

Strengthen Your Online Privacy Settings

Review and adjust the privacy settings on all your social media accounts, apps and online services. Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly and be cautious about sharing your location or other sensitive details.
Be Cautious About Online Interactions

It is critical to exercise caution when interacting with strangers or new acquaintances online. Avoid sharing personal details, photos or sensitive information until you've established trust.
Use Strong Passwords

Cyberstalkers often gain access to accounts through weak or compromised passwords. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.
Monitor Your Digital Footprint

Regularly search for your name, phone number and email addresses online to identify any personal information that may have been shared or compromised. If you find information that is concerning, take steps to have it removed or report it to the appropriate authorities.
Use Security Tool

Consider using reputable cybersecurity tools and services to monitor your online activities and protect your devices from potential threats. Antivirus software, virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure messaging apps can help safeguard your digital life.

Remember, cyberstalking is a serious crime and if you feel threatened or harassed, it's crucial to report the incident to the relevant authorities. On that note, let’s conclude this article.

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To Sum Up

At the end of the day, the internet should be a place where we can connect, learn and express ourselves freely without fear of harassment or invasion of privacy. With a bit of care and the right tools, we can take back control and make the online world a safer, more positive space for all.

It’ll take collective effort but we’ve got this – cyberstalking won’t stand a chance against an aware and empowered digital community looking out for one another!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is the use of electronic means to harass or stalk an individual, typically through the internet or other digital communication platforms. It involves repeated, unwanted or threatening behavior that causes fear or distress to the victim. Perpetrators may use email, social media, instant messaging or other online tools to monitor, intimidate or harass their targets.

What Are The Types Of Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking can take various forms, including harassment, impersonation, surveillance and online defamation. Harassment involves sending threatening or offensive messages repeatedly. Impersonation occurs when the stalker creates fake profiles to deceive or harass the victim. Surveillance involves monitoring the victim's online activities or using GPS tracking. Online defamation includes spreading false information or rumors about the victim to damage their reputation.

How To Prevent Cyberstalking?

To prevent cyberstalking, individuals should safeguard their personal information by using privacy settings on social media platforms and being cautious about sharing details online. They should also regularly update passwords and use strong, unique passwords for each account. Being mindful of the content shared online and promptly reporting any instances of cyberstalking to authorities or platform administrators can also help prevent further harassment.

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Cyberstalking Cybersecurity Online Harassment Online Privacy Cyberbullying Personal Information Cyberstalking Laws

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