Cyberstalking: Types, Prevention and Coping

Cyberstalking is a type of cybercrime where criminals use the internet and technology to stalk or harass a person. It can be considered a branch of in-person stalking as this also invades the privacy of an individual or a victim. Cyberbullying takes place in the form of social media posts, persistent messaging or even e-mails. It is often seen as persistent methodical, or even deliberate. 

Cyberstalking usually starts as harmless texting or basic interactions that later become coordinated in order to annoy or frighten an individual. This usually does not involve direct communication, and most of the time, victims don't even realise that they are victims of online stalking or cyberstalking. Some Common traits of cyberstalking include tracking locations, breaching data privacy, and monitoring online and real-world activities. They also include intimidating victims, obsessively tracking the whereabouts of the victims, and also sending threatening private messages or fake pictures.   

Types of Cyberstalking

There are various types of cyberstalking, and they include:- 

1. Catfish            

The Creation of fake profiles or manipulating and pretending to be existing ones on social media to approach victims is called Catfishing. 

2. Monitoring Check-Ins on social media 

In this type of cyberstalking, the stalker keeps an eye on the activities of a victim on social media to pinpoint their behaviour pattern. 

3. Instaling Stalkerware 

Stalkerwares are devices that track the location and enable access to text and to browsing history. They also make audio recordings. These devices are used by stalkers to stalk their victims, and they gain information about them. 

Signs of Cyberstalking

You can identify that you are a victim of cyberstalking by multiple signs. They include when someone is sending you too many messages, an individual sending you inappropriate or lewd messages and liking and commenting on your social media posts. These individuals also manipulate you into interacting with them online, and they also troll you so that you can engage in a conversation with them. They also send threatening messages and also track you through GPS, and will also manipulate you through catfishing. 

Examples of Cyberstalking 

As Cyberstalking is done in many ways, and cyberstalkers use various tactics and techniques to harass, intimidate and control their victims as cyberstalkers are mainly technologically sound and know a lot about it. They come up with creative ways to harass their targets. 

Here are some examples of things and techniques cyberstalkers might use:-

1. They post rude or offensive comments online 

2. They stalk the person virtually by joining the same groups and chatboxes. 

3. They send lewd and threatening messages or emails to the target 

4. They mainly use technology to threaten or blackmail the target 

5. They tag the victims in posts in which the victim has no interest. 

6. They send gifts and unwanted items to the victim. 

7. They hack into the victim's target accounts on social media platforms and other important accounts. 

8. They release confidential information so the victim can get into negotiation and attempt to extort things from the victim. 

What are the Consequences of Cyberstalking?

Just as stalking has the potential to cause physical and emotional discomfort and consequences, cyberstalking does the same. For example, it is quite common to see victims of stalking and cyberstalking to experience anger, fear and confusion. These victims also have trouble sleeping and even complain of experiencing panic attacks. Multiple reports are saying that targets of cyberstalking also experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and suicidal intentions due to constant fear and having a feeling of someone is always looking at them. It is always recommended that victims seek help from a mental health professional. They can help process their feelings and provide support and guidance. 

How can you Prevent Cyberstalking? 

As cyberstalking is many done online, it is important you take preventive measures to protect yourself online. However, it is not completely possible to protect yourself from cyberstalking. One can prevent cyberstalking by implementing the following methods.

Making Security your Priority

As you take steps to prevent cyberstalking, the first step to ensure this is making sure all your accounts and devices are secure. You can follow these steps to make security your priority.

• Setting Strong Passwords-  Make sure you set strong passwords for your accounts and for your devices too. As, you do this make sure you also change them on a regular basis. Always choose passwords that are difficult to guess but easy for you to remember. 
• Log out every time - As you use all your accounts and we tend to keep them logged in for convenience, however it is recommended that you log our of them as if someone gets access of your device they won’t get into your accounts. 
• Don’t Use Public WiFis - Using public wifis poses a great risk of being hacked, if it is a must it is always recommended you purchase a VPN before you use any public wifi providers.

How to Cope With Cyberstalking? 

As one is going through cyberstalking it can be quite  traumatising and can also be bad for ones mental health. There are some things you can follow to prevent this and also to cope with. You can always choose to respond to the person cyberstalking you and tell them to never contant you again. Always make sure you block this person from your social media and other modes. Always make sure you refuse contact from this person and dont respond to anything they post or send you.