Cyber Stalking - Unwanted Attention

With the advent of digital age, we are more connected than ever. Social media has transcended geographical locations, and no place is out of reach. But with this type of connectivity, there is a rise in the number of antisocial players.

Cyber stalking cases has reportedly gone high in recent years. Stalking is considered as any form of unwanted attention, contact or harassment directed towards an individual. This results in victim's personal space being encroached or taken for granted. 

The preparator perform stalking through fake profiles, monitoring social media sites, messages or chat history. They initiate a volley of hate speech or try to tarnish their victim's reputation. Here stalking can be also a form of love addiction. An unrequited love can cause the stalker to perform the above steps as an act of revenge.

Mode of Operation

• Installing a piece of code in the victim's computer for accessing the webcam. The spyware comes bundled with a software which could be downloaded and installed. Also known as trojan horse attack.
• Again, the same computer could be infected by Stalker ware, which records a user's browsing history, key logs, geo location etc.
• The victim on posting their location online, whether a restaurant or music concert, can be tracked. The stalker appears in these areas uninvited, causing panic and fear.

Precautions

• Only install software from legitimate sites. They can be cross checked for verified signature, and known publisher.
• Install a paid anti malware software in your device. Eg: Malware Bytes, Norton, McAfee
• Avoid using public Wi Fi hotspots. If doing so, do not communicate sensitive information in the same.
• Post location status online few hours after exiting the venue. This prevents active tracking 

Action

• Keep a record of all transcripts such as messages, and videos from the stalker. This will be useful for legal action
• Contact the social media site where the issue had occurred. After consultation, the problematic account can be terminated.
• Inform the authorities if the stalking persists. Show necessary proofs of the event.
• Try to take an online sabbatical for a few days. Avoid confronting the stalker directly, as this can add fuel to the fire. 

Additional Information:

• https://www.thecyberhelpline.com/guides/cyber-stalking