What Is Cyberstalking And How To Prevent It? - TechTarget

How to guard against cyberstalking

Individuals can guard against cyberstalking without losing their online independence. One strategy is to stay as anonymous as possible. Of course, complete anonymity is almost impossible on the internet nowadays, so the next best thing is to keep a low profile, especially on social media.

Rather than having an identifiable and traceable online presence, use nicknames and/or gender-neutral names when possible. Avoid posting personal details, such as your email address, home address, phone number or workplace details, online, where anyone can easily access them and use them to cyberstalk. Also, guard photographs, and make sure all private information, like vacation plans, photos and posts, are visible only to trusted individuals.

Use a primary email account only for communicating with known/trusted people and set up an anonymous email account for all other communications. Install email spam filters to minimize spam and the possibility of email-based phishing or cyberstalking attacks.

Other ways to guard against cyberstalking include the following:

• Update all software to prevent information leaks.
• Mask your Internet Protocol address with a virtual private network, i.e., VPN.
• Strengthen privacy settings on social media.
• Strengthen all devices with strong passwords or, better, use multifactor authentication.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Send private information via private messages, not by posting on public forums.
• Safeguard mobile devices by using password protection and never leave devices unattended.
• Disable geolocation settings on devices;
• Install antivirus software on devices to detect malicious software.
• Always log out of all accounts at the end of a session.
• Beware of installing apps that ask to access your personal information.