Whether it's the result of an online dating interaction or a malicious hacker, online stalking can be frightening. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent being stalked and almost as many ways to handle it if it happens. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways people are stalked online and how you can avoid becoming a target. The same tips that help you prevent stalking also apply to protecting your personal information in general.

As with everything related to security and privacy, keeping your activities limited to trusted friends and family members is optimal. If you have been stalked or feel like you might be at risk, here are some helpful solutions for keeping yourself safe.

Most online stalkers are people you know. It is very rare to have an online stalker who is not known to you.

Change Your Passwords and Review Your Activity Logs

Nothing will help you identify potential online stalkers more than reviewing your online activity logs. If you have been stalked, you might find a trail of malicious login attempts or website visits that you don’t remember making. If you are being stalked, you can discover who it is and learn how to shut them down. No matter how someone is stalking you, login attempts are often the only available method. One of the best ways to identify malicious attempts to access your accounts or websites is to regularly review your activity logs. There are a few ways to do this, such as using a website like Facebook’s Security Log or installing a security software program on your computer. Security software will let you see your activity logs for all your devices, so you can monitor everywhere you go online.

Also, get to an IT consultant and ask them to check that you do not have a static IP address. This is what happened to me. Format all your devices and do not load your own email addresses or any old information on the formatted devices.

Formatting your devices means wiping all the data from it completely. it will remove any spyware or programs that may be giving the stalker access to your information and location.

Communication Channels Should Be Blocked

Communication channels are the primary means of stalking someone online. It is important to block communication channels as soon as possible to prevent the person from gaining any further access to you. As soon as you realize you are being stalked, block every form of communication, especially online channels like email, text, and social media. It is also advisable to block communication channels that don’t require confirmation, like telephone calls. While blocking communication may not seem like a big deal, it is essential to do it in a way that doesn’t give the impression that you’re trying to avoid the person. For example, if you’re being stalked by a friend and they keep emailing you, politely request to be removed from their email list.

Install a VPN

Having control over your IP address can make a big difference when it comes to stalking. If you show the world an IP address that links you to your home country, for example, someone in another part of the world could use that to stalk you. Whether you have been stalked or are just trying to protect your data, you should use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. A VPN is a service that gives you a different IP address from the one associated with your computer, as well as extra privacy and security. VPNs aren't just for people who want to stalk people online; they are often one of the best ways to stop and deal with stalking.

Stay on the Lookout for Suspicious Behaviour

The best way to know if someone is stalking you online is to be aware of the signs that it could happen. Most stalking occurs either by someone who knows you or someone who you have had an interaction with.

It is important to set boundaries with people you interact with and be aware of the signs that someone may be crossing the line. There are many potential signs of stalking, including an unending desire to communicate with you, combing through your online profiles and information, and a desire to know where you are at all times. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to remove the person from any communication channels you have with them and report your concerns to the authorities.

Block IP Addresses and Report Stalking Behaviour

If you encounter an IP address that is behaving maliciously, you can try to block it. You can do this either on your computer or by contacting the website that the IP address is attempting to hack or stalk. You may not be able to block an IP address associated with a mobile device, as they are common to change.

Long-term blocking strategies can be challenging, though, and you may find that it is more trouble than it is worth. If you can identify an IP address that is targeting you maliciously, you can try to report it to the website it is attempting to hack, such as your email provider or social media platform. If you’re targeted because of your race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or political beliefs, you can also report the behaviour to law enforcement.

Don't connect to other WIFI networks; with the right software, WIFI routers can read you data.

Conclusion

Stalking is a crime that affects people across the world, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. While there is no foolproof way to avoid becoming a victim of stalking, taking precautionary steps can greatly decrease your risk of being stalked online. One of the best ways to protect yourself from online stalking is to use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.

A VPN is a service that gives you a different IP address from the one associated with your computer, as well as extra privacy and security. If you can identify an IP address that is targeting you maliciously, you can try to report it to the website it is attempting to hack, such as your email provider or social media platform.

If you’re targeted because of your race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or political beliefs, you can also report the behaviour to law enforcement.