How Do I Protect Myself from Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is a serious issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It can be defined as the use of electronic communication (such as email, instant messaging, or social media) to stalk someone. Cyberstalking can take many forms, ranging from sending threatening messages to monitoring someone's online activity without their knowledge or consent. Unfortunately, cyberstalking has become more common in recent years due to the widespread use of technology and the anonymity it provides. 

The best way to protect yourself from cyberstalking is to be aware of the risks and take proactive steps to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Here are some tips on how to do this: 

1. Be Careful About What You Post Online 

When you post information about yourself on social media or other websites, you provide potential cyber stalkers with personal information that could be used against you. Therefore, be mindful of what you post and avoid posting sensitive information such as your address, phone number, or financial details. It's also important to remember that even if you delete something from your profile page, it may still exist elsewhere on the internet or in cached versions. 

2. Review Your Online Privacy Settings

Ensure that your privacy settings are set up correctly so that only people you know can view your posts or contact information. You should also check periodically to ensure that no one has changed these settings without your knowledge or consent. Additionally, if you have a blog or website, consider using a secure hosting provider with strong security measures in place. 

3. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If available, use two-factor authentication (2FA) for all online accounts that require a username and password combination in order to access them (email accounts, banking accounts, etc.). 2FA requires an additional layer of security by sending an extra code via SMS message or email whenever someone attempts to log in to an account associated with your name, email address, or phone number, which makes it much harder for hackers or cyber stalkers to gain access without permission.

4. Use Strong Passwords

Create unique passwords for each account and ensure they contain at least twelve characters, including numbers, symbols, capital letters, and lowercase letters. Never reuse the same password for multiple accounts! You should also change them frequently (every three months is recommended) and store them securely so they don't fall into the wrong hands. Consider using a password manager like BitWarden, which can help manage this process more easily than trying to remember multiple passwords manually!  

5. Limit Public Exposure

Make sure that any contact information listed publicly is limited – such as only providing an email address rather than a home address – as this will reduce the amount of personal data available online for potential cyber stalkers to access and exploit if they wish too! Also, avoid sharing too much personal information on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok - keep things relatively private unless it's necessary!  

6. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly 

Check all accounts regularly for any suspicious activity such as unfamiliar posts, messages, emails, changes in contact lists or settings, which could indicate someone is attempting to gain access without permission. If anything looks out of place, then contact customer service straight away! You should also set up notifications so that you receive alerts when new activity occurs on any of your accounts. This may provide you the opportunity to potentially catch anyone who might be attempting unauthorized access quickly before they have time to cause any harm!  

7. Report Suspicious Behavior

If someone contacts you out of the blue asking questions that seem inappropriate or makes threats towards you, then report them immediately whether through social media platforms directly or through law enforcement, depending on where it happened and how serious it was! This will ensure not only protection for yourself but others as well who might be targeted by this person in the future too.  

8. Seek Professional Help 

If after taking all these precautions you still feel worried about being cyber stalked, then seeking professional help from the police force and local support services might be beneficial. Depending on the severity and duration of stalking behavior experienced, there may be legal action you can take against the perpetrator. 

In conclusion, there are many steps one can take to protect themselves from becoming victims of cyberstalking. Some include being careful about what they post online, reviewing their privacy settings, setting up two-factor authentication, using strong passwords; limiting public exposure, monitoring accounts regularly, reporting suspicious behavior, and seeking professional help if needed. By following these tips, one can significantly reduce their chances of becoming victims while increasing their overall safety and security when using technology! 

At Grab The Axe, we believe that everyone within a business should feel safe and protected against cyberstalking, and our mission is to help organizations achieve that goal. Request a security assessment with Grab The Axe today to get the information you need to strengthen your cyber security posture. We help our clients create safe and secure environments in which all can operate and thrive.