8 Basic Steps To Help Protect Yourself From Cyber-Stalkers

Written by Saumya Gaur  • 

Before the Internet became what it is today, an all-pervading force, the term “troll” existed in old Swedish and Nordic folklore. But this is the 21st Century, where technology gives us marvels and horrors in equal measure, and one of those horrors is cyberstalking which often snowballs into cyberbullying.

When we use the term cyberstalking, we don’t want to devalue it by using it in the context it is usually used in. So when your parents often pay unwanted attention to your social media updates, annoying though it can be, it doesn’t qualify as cyberstalking. Cyberstalking is when someone, tracks your every online activity by various means such as emails, IMs, comments on your posts and pictures, with the intention to harass you.

This is very different from you checking out your crush’s Instagram. You might just be there to get a peek at his new look, but a cyber-stalker would go a step further by keeping a tab of when the picture was taken and where it was taken. It is like a 24*7 surveillance, which digs deep into those facets of your life, which you are not even sharing with the world. We have compiled a primer, to help you keep this private life shielded from those prying eyes. So just give it a read and be cyber-safe!

1. Always Log Out

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While most of us are very vigilant with our phones, personal laptops are a different story. We often leave them unattended as we attend to phone calls or go for meetings. If you have to leave your laptop unattended for a few minutes, be sure to log out of all apps and social media profiles. Also, use a screensaver with a password.

2. Always Switch On Your Privacy Settings

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The social profiles that you choose to make public contain your entire bio-data. You can’t leave it out for the world to see and have access to, if you wish to be safe. To avoid doing that, switch on the privacy settings on your social media profiles. This will ensure that your personal information is known only to your trusted inner circle.

3. Use A Software To Prevent Spyware From Becoming Installed On Your Computer

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Install a protective software on your computer that will protect it against invasive viruses and phishing attempts. Not only do these software act as a bulwark against hacking attempts, but they also act as a deterrent for cyber-stalkers.

4. Turn Off Your Metadata In The Images And Pictures You Post Online

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In general terms, metadata is that data that gives you access to even more information. When we say metadata in pictures, it’s the information such as where the picture is taken, the location, the timing and the social media profiles of those who are there with you in the photograph.

To prevent this from happening, switch off features like geo-tagging and tagging while posting pictures online.

5. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

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Unless and until you have to, you should avoid using public Wi-Fi. Using public Wi-Fi makes your device vulnerable and puts you at considerable risk, especially when you surf websites that are not secure. If you have to, do use a public Wi-Fi connection but log out of it after use and click on the option of forgetting it.

6. Don’t Overshare On Social Media

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The urge to share on media is pretty uncontrollable, especially when you want to tell the world how happening your life is. But we would like to advise you to exercise caution in this regard. Do you remember when the popular social media icon, Kim Kardashian became a victim to an incident of armed robbery? Well, the robbers knew when Kim would be vulnerable, precisely because she would extensively document her life in great detail on her social media.

Therefore, pay attention to what you’re sharing on your social media and give as little information as possible.

7. Manage Your Passwords Well

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This goes without saying, but we will still reiterate this for the greater good. Do not base your passwords on the birthdates, and names of your loved ones. These can be easily guessed. Try to make them as random as possible and also, change them frequently. Also, avoid using the same password for all your accounts.

8. Do Not Make Your Travel Itineraries/Calendars Public

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Try to refrain from making your calendars and travel itineraries public. If you get an e-vite for an event on a social media website, and you publicly acknowledge your presence there, it lets your stalker know your whereabouts. Instead of doing that you can mail the host individually to confirm your presence there. This would be much safer.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you log in to your social media profile. Remember, your safety is in your hands. And if you do notice any suspicious activity on your online accounts, take immediate action by reporting it.

If you know of any other tips that can act as a deterrent for cyber-stalkers, share them with us in the comments section.

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