Best Practices for Responding to Cyberstalking

The internet offers immense value in helping people gather information and stay connected with friends, family, and coworkers. Sharing important moments and activities online has become commonplace. However, sharing too much sensitive information can be dangerous, as bad actors can leverage this information to track and harass individuals. This is known as cyberstalking. Cyberstalking involves using the internet and technology to track, harass, and intimidate individuals. Cyberstalkers exploit personal information found online or use technology to track locations. The goal is to harass and intimidate victims through various means.

Forms of Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking can take multiple forms:

• Threatening Messages: Sending intimidating or threatening emails and messages.
• Catfishing: Posing as someone else to communicate with the target.
• False Accusations: Posting false information or accusations online.
• Blackmail: Using gathered information to extort or blackmail the victim.
• Impersonation: Posing as the victim to create further problems.
• Public Harassment: Making harmful statements about the victim on public forums.
• Tracking: Monitoring online activity and physical locations.

Methods of Cyberstalking

Cyberstalkers use various methods to harass their targets:

• Email Threats: Sending death threats or other harmful messages.
• Social Media Harassment: Conducting harassment campaigns on social media.
• Tracking Technology: Using devices like Apple AirTags to track the physical location of their targets without their knowledge.

Responding to Cyberstalking

If you or a loved one is facing cyberstalking, take the following steps to protect yourself:

• Block the Perpetrator: Block their phone number and social media profiles.
• Document Evidence: Do not delete threatening messages. Note the date and time they were sent.
• Report to Law Enforcement: Use the documented evidence to report the crime. Cyberstalking is subject to harassment laws.
• Handling Tracking Devices: If you find a tracking device like an AirTag, do not go home. Find a safe location, remove the battery from the device, and report it to law enforcement.

Preventing Cyberstalking

To minimize the risk of cyberstalking, follow these best practices:

• Adjust Social Media Settings: Ensure only approved individuals can see your posts.
• Limit Online Sharing: Avoid sharing specific locations and personal details. Only share geo-specific locations with trusted friends and family.
• Avoid Tagging Locations: Refrain from tagging your location in posts.
• Update Devices: Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches to prevent malware attacks.

Additional Support from BlackCloak

BlackCloak offers various services to help protect against cyberstalking:

Data Broker Site Removal: BlackCloak removes personal identifiable information from data broker sites to prevent bad actors from purchasing it.

Device Hardening: The Concierge team can help adjust privacy settings and secure accounts to ensure only trusted individuals can see your activity.

You can reduce the risk of cyberstalking and protect your online presence by following the suggestions in this guide. For further assistance or more information on privacy and security topics, visit the BlackCloak knowledge base. If you have any questions or need help, contact a member of the BlackCloak team and they will be more than happy to assist you.