A cyberstalker uses the internet to harass, threaten, or intimidate people. It is a criminal offense in most jurisdictions and can be punishable by law.
The term “cyberstalking” was coined in 1996 by American law enforcement agent John W. Lendrum III. He described it as “a malicious and willful course of conduct that begins on the Internet and often spills over into real life.”
It’s important to know that cyberstalking is a crime. If you suspect someone is stalking you online and affecting your life, inform the police immediately.
The following are some warning signs that you might be the victim of cyberstalking:
- You feel as if you are being watched or followed online
- You receive unwanted messages or emails from someone you don’t know
- You notice strangers posting information about where you live or work on a forum
The first thing to do when you think someone is stalking you online is to take a deep breath and try not to panic.
It can be hard to know where to start. First, you should make sure you have up-to-date antivirus software. This will protect your computer from viruses, worms, spyware, trojans, and other malware that could allow someone else to access your personal information or computer.
Then, you should set up a free account with an email provider like Yahoo or Gmail, and check the settings on your privacy and security tabs for any suspicious activity. You can also set up two-factor authentication on these accounts for added protection.
Install antivirus software on your device
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review is reliable and effective antivirus software that provides comprehensive protection against all kinds of online threats. It offers excellent protection against all types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, worms, and spyware. It also has a very effective heuristic engine that can detect and block any unknown threats.
Create a new email account that supports end-to-end encryption
If you’re being cyberstalked, one of the best things you can do is create a new email account that supports end-to-end encryption. This will help throw the stalker off your trail and make it more difficult for them to get in touch with you. Be sure to use a secure password and keep your new information private.
Track your stalker’s IP address via email
If you have been receiving threatening or harassing emails, you can use the headers to track the IP address of the sender.
Headers are the technical information that is included with every email. To find the headers, open the email and look for the “View” or “Show” option in the menu. Once you have found the headers, look for “received” lines.
These lines will show the IP address of the sender. If you see multiple IP addresses, take note of the one that is in the same country as you. You can then use this to track down the stalker’s identity and report them to the authorities.
Reach out to law enforcement
Finally, you can reach out to law enforcement or a cyberstalking victim support group for help. These organizations can provide you with information and resources to help you protect yourself and avoid being cyberstalked in the future.