What You Need to Know About Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking Explained
Cybercrime is most definitely a worry in the new millennium, and one of the scariest cybercrimes is cyberstalking. According to Wikipedia, "Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk someone. This term is used interchangeably with online harassment and online abuse." If you visit chat rooms or pursue the message boards of the Web, there are some things you need to know to avoid becoming a victim of cyberstalking.
What is Cyberstalking?
While Cyberstalking technically isn’t identity theft, it is most definitely an invasion of your world and can leave you feeling victimized. Because of this, I think it’s important to cover it on this website.
Cyberstalking is a cybercrime that involves the use of the Internet to locate and seek out victims. Think of it as traditional stalking, it’s just done via the Web rather than in person. The truth is that the Web is ripe for the type of activity.
Look at how popular social networking sites such as Myspace and Friendster have become. Sure, they can be a great way to stay in contact with long lost friends, but they also can be a great way for cyberstalkers to get enough information about you to determine your location, your daily routine, and many other private details you’d probably prefer they not have access to.
Watch What You Put Out There
Once the criminal uses the Web to learn your routine, they will use and abuse that information.
If you provided photos of yourself, the cyberstalker will know what you look like. Based on knowing what you look like, they will be able to spot and follow you in public places. This could lead to being followed around all day by a cyberstalker with questionable motives. Not a good situation to put yourself in.
Being safe online can help you avoid becoming the victim of a cybercrime. Make your profile on your social networking site “private” rather than “public” so that only the friends you list can see it.
Our Double-Edged Sword
The information age presents a double edge sword. The positives are the ability to communicate with your friends and family easily over the Internet. However, one of the negative aspects is that information will be viewable by cyberstalkers all over the world and you can easily become the victim of a cybercrime if you’re not careful.