Cyberstalking

Emily had always been a private person. She valued her online privacy and
took precautions to protect herself. But little did she know that lurking in
the shadows of the digital world was a relentless predator waiting for the
perfect opportunity to strike.

It started innocently enough. Emily noticed strange friend requests on her social media profiles from people she didn’t recognize. Assuming they were just bots or random strangers, she ignored them and continued with her life. However, the relentless pursuit didn’t stop there.  Soon, Emily began receiving anonymous messages from someone who seemed to know everything about her. They would mention details of her daily routine, her favorite places to visit, and even references to conversations she had only had in private. Panic gripped her heart as she realized she was being cyberstalked.  

Cyberstalking is a form of online harassment that involves using the internet or other forms of electronic communication to stalk or harass an individual. It can involve a range of behaviors, including but not limited to the following:

• • Sending threatening or obscene messages or emails

• • Posting personal or sensitive information online

• • Engaging in online harassment or bullying

• • Monitoring an individual’s online activity

• • Spreading false information or rumors about an individual

• • Attempting to intimidate or control an individual through technology.

Cyberstalking can cause significant emotional distress and fear and can be as harmful as in-person stalking. It can also have serious consequences, including identity theft, financial fraud, and physical danger. If you are a victim of cyberstalking, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect yourself and get support. Here are some steps you can take:

• • Document the harassment: Keep a record of all communication and evidence of cyberstalking, including emails, text messages, and social media posts.

• • Block the stalker: Block the stalker’s phone number and email address, and set your social media accounts to private.

• • Report the harassment: Report the cyberstalking to the appropriate authorities, such as the police, your internet service provider, or the social media platform used by the stalker.

• • Get support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support group for emotional support. You can also contact a victim advocacy organization for additional resources and guidance.

• • Protect your personal information: Be cautious about the information you share online and take steps to secure your personal information, such as changing passwords regularly nd avoiding oversharing on social media.

• • It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and help is available. If you feel threatened or in danger, don’t hesitate to call the police.

Emily changed her passwords, tightened her security settings, and reported the harassment to the authorities, but the messages persisted. Fear consumed her every waking moment, and she constantly felt the weight of someone’s unseen gaze upon her.

She withdrew from her online activities, limiting her interactions to a bare minimum. Yet, the stalker seemed to be one step ahead at all times. Their messages became more sinister, filled with threats and a twisted desire for control over Emily’s life.

In addition to the steps mentioned above, victims of cyberstalking may also want to consider taking the following technical steps:

• • Use secure devices and networks: Use a certain device and network, such as a VPN, to protect your online activities from being monitored.

• • Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on all your online accounts to make it harder for the stalker to access your information.

• • Remove personal information: Remove personal information from your social media profiles and online directories, including your address, phone number, and email address.

• • Limit online activity: Limit your online activity and avoid posting or sharing sensitive information, such as your location or financial information.

• • Monitor your accounts: Regularly monitor your social media accounts, email, and other online accounts for any signs of cyberstalking or hacking.

• • Change all passwords to something random and unique for each login, starting with your smartphone operating system (Apple and Google). If someone can access those accounts, they can easily see location and possibly text messages. Use a password manager like BitWarden to accomplish this.

• • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all available logins.

• • Once passwords have been changed, force log out of all active connections.

• • For Windows users, download Microsoft Defender to a clean PC, create a CD or thumb drive, then run Defender offline to remove malware on the infected PC. Windows Security (also called Windows Defender Security Center in previous versions of Windows) detects rootkits or other highly persistent malware on your PC and recommends you use Microsoft Defender Offline. You should use Defender offline in case your security software isn’t detecting malware. See Help protect my PC with Microsoft Defender Offline.

• • Get a password manager and start replacing all your passwords with unique and strong passwords.

• • Read 4 Things You Can Do To Keep Yourself Cyber Safe 

• • Freeze your credit.  See Brian Krebs’ article Why & Where You Should Plant Your Flag on freezing your credit at these credit bureaus.  This will prevent attackers from taking loans and credit cards out in your name.

Determined not to let fear rule her existence, Emily sought the help of a renowned cybersecurity expert. Together, they delved into the intricate web of the digital world, leaving no stone unturned. As they dug deeper, they discovered the stalker had been using various tactics to stay hidden, masking their true identity behind countless fake accounts.

With every clue they uncovered, Emily’s strength grew. She refused to be a victim, fighting back against the faceless predator who sought to torment her. Armed with evidence, they presented their findings to the authorities, who finally began to take the situation seriously.

The investigation progressed, and slowly but surely, the veil of anonymity was lifted from the stalker. It turned out to be someone Emily had once trusted, a former friend who had harbored a twisted obsession for her. Betrayal pierced her heart as she realized the depth of the deception.

It’s important to remember that cyberstalking can be a serious issue and that victims should take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their personal information. If you need further assistance, you can consult a tech expert or contact a cybercrime reporting center for guidance.

What organizations provide support for cyberstalking victims?

• • National Cybersecurity Alliance: A non-profit organization that provides resources and information on cyberstalking and online harassment. Address: 1401 H St NW #1250, Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 470-4112 Website: https://staysafeonline.org/

• • National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): A network of domestic violence programs that provides technical assistance, training, and resources for victims of cyberstalking. Address: 1220 L St NW #100, Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 544-5564 Website: https://nnedv.org/

• • Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI): A non-profit organization combating online abuse and harassment, including cyberstalking. Address: Miami, FL Phone: (305) 974-1671 Website: https://www.cybercivilrights.org/

• • Cybercrime Support Network (CSN): A national non-profit organization that provides support, resources, and referrals for victims of cybercrime, including cyberstalking. Address: National Center for Victims of Crime, 2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: (855) 4-Victim (855-484-2846) Website: https://cybercrimesupport.org/

• • The National Domestic Violence Hotline: A confidential and toll-free hotline that provides support, resources, and referrals for victims of domestic violence, including cyberstalking. Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Website: https://www.thehotline.org/

• • National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC): A national non-profit organization that provides resources and support for victims of crime, including cyberstalking. Address: 2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: (202) 467-8700 Website: https://victimsofcrime.org/

• • The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): A national organization that provides resources and support for cyberstalking victims, including children and teens. Address: 699 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) Website: https://www.missingkids.org/

Victims of cyberstalking need to know that they’re not alone and that help is available. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.

With the evidence in hand, the authorities apprehended Emily’s stalker, ensuring they would face the consequences of their actions. As the legal proceedings took place, Emily’s spirit began to heal. She vowed to regain control of her life and not let this traumatic experience define her.

Over time, Emily reclaimed her online presence, but with a newfound sense of caution and resilience. She educated herself on digital safety, spreading awareness to help others avoid falling prey to cyberstalkers. Through her strength and determination, Emily transformed from a victim into an advocate, using her experience to empower and protect others.

References:

 “Using OSINT for Human Rights and Victim Support – Rae Baker (Shmoocon 2020)” https://youtu.be/tRzGiR4DS7w