It is not a guarantee that stalkers will remain as hidden figures forever, especially in the current times we live in and the evolution of technology. All the technological advancements we have had over the last 50 years have had their benefits, but have also led to the increase of unscrupulous people on the internet, and makes it easier for them to achieve their harmful objectives.
It is therefore important to know the measures you can take to protect yourself. As long as you use the internet, you are at risk of being attacked by these individuals, and you would not like it if it happened to you or someone you know. Here are some measures you can take to safeguard you, your privacy and your information.
Maintain a sense of privacy
The era of social media dictates that you spend so much time talking about yourself to your ‘friends’. This includes revealing where you live, your age, what job you pursue, your birthday, or even what you do throughout your day.
Although it is nice to show a part of yourself on social media, you should also be careful not to reveal too much that can compromise on your security. Once you post something, everyone will see it, so you need to be mindful of the things you post.
In addition, you can choose to modify the security settings of your account, and choose what to reveal and what not to reveal. If someone wants to find out something about you, they should ask you directly or in person, and keep in mind that it is a better option to be safe than sorry.
Utilize security software
The reason antiviruses exist is to protect your computer, mobile device or account from the attacks of hackers or online stalkers. You may not know every person that tries to access your information, and you may not know every website that is threatening. The antivirus and software protection programs will always keep an eye out for you and block or warn you about suspicious activity.
When choosing a software for protection, it is best to choose one that is reputable and has a good standing among the online community. You can find this out using reviews or articles that major on cyber security or home security reviews, as they have extensively tested the different software and have an idea of what is best for your device or account.
Stay logged out of social media
The convenient option is keeping your account logged in to your computer or mobile device because you want quick access when you need it. However this approach has a drawback – it makes your account an easier target for cyber stalkers and suspicious activity.
When you are done with your account, make sure to log out of it, and never share your passwords with anyone. Do not share them with anyone else, or choose to keep them in a privately accessible document.
Avoid getting into scams
Dating apps such as Sugardaddie and Tinder have increased in popularity as more and more people are turning to online methods to find their partners. When you strike up a relationship with someone online and are finally getting a chance to meet them, remember to keep your wits about you – do not throw all caution to the wind just because you are in love.
Avoid giving out your personal information, unless the other person reciprocates with information of their own. You can also chat with them over applications such as FaceTime or Skype to make sure you know what they look like, as well as confirming that they are not scamming you in any way.
Never give out your sensitive information
Giving out your credit card, banking information or other data like your social security number is a no-no. If your bank for instance, requires sensitive information or wants to access your account, you should always confirm with their customer service before you send it out.
Regardless of whether you are a forgetful person, never let other people have access to your account, even family members. If you give that information to anyone, they can use it to steal information or third parties can use it to spy on your moves.
Do regular searches of your name on the internet
Even though you are not posting things about yourself or sensitive information, you cannot prevent other people from posting about you. When you do regular searches on the internet using your name, you can stop the incidences of cyber stalkers spreading false information about you using a webpage, blog or Craigslist account.
When you find there is incorrect or false information about you in cyberspace, you can immediately notify the server or website administrator to have that content taken down.
Be very cautious about phone calls, texts or emails that request personal information
The frequency of surveys on the internet is increasing, and companies as well as organizations are now using them as a means of getting specific information from the public. Representatives of the company can email, text or call and tell you about a survey and encourage you to take it.
Sometimes, you will find surveys that request you to put in personal information. When you feel uncomfortable revealing your identity, it is better to ignore these surveys and also decline whatever is being offered. In case you want to know more about that specific product, you can always give a secondary address, or alternative phone number.
However, never go for the approach of revealing anything else about yourself. You do not know this sender personally, so you do not want to take chances with your security. In addition, even if you know them, they have no business knowing your personal details anyway.
Final thoughts
All online stalkers get happiness from rendering their victims helpless and distressed, just because they can do it all at the push of a button. Do not give them an opportunity to harass you in any way, make sure you are taking steps to protecting yourself and your identity.
