Whether it’s a family member, a friend of a friend or a stranger from a documentary, you’ve probably heard of someone who has fallen victim to the dangers of the digital wild west.
As the separations between our online worlds and real-life ones diminish, it’s becoming more common for internet users to encounter dangerous behaviour online. Some of this behaviour may include cyberstalking or digital harassment.
Cyberstalking and digital harassment
Both cyberstalking and digital harassment are types of unwanted attention in the online space, however they differ in meaning. Cyberstalking involves continuous monitoring and tracking of a victim, sometimes escalating to physical stalking. In contrast, digital harassment involves repeated behaviour that aims to control, intimidate or embarrass a victim. Ultimately, both types of dangerous behaviour are used to incite fear.
Both cyberstalking and digital harassment are more common than you might think. Their prevalence in our social consciousness has risen in part due to prolific docuseries and narratives, like Netflix’s Baby Reindeer earlier this year. The uptick in data breaches over the past several years has also brought online safety and security to the forefront of internet-related discourse.
Even still, it’s easy to slip into the “it won’t happen to me” mindset. The reality is, if you’re online, it could happen to you. In the first quarter of this year alone, the eSafety Commissioner recorded 874 complaints to the eSafety Adult Cyber Abuse Scheme – a 40 per cent increase from the 621 cases reported during the same period last year.
Stay safe online
Help keep yourself safe and learn what to do if you or someone you know becomes a victim to online antisocial behaviour. Read on for our tips on the best ways to combat cyberstalking and digital harassment.
Bolstering the strength of your privacy and passwords is an easy way to begin staying safe online. Something as simple as switching your social media accounts to private can prevent strangers and unwelcome internet voyeurs from deducing information about your life and whereabouts. This step is helpful whether you suspect you’re a victim of cyberstalking or digital harassment, or if you just want to fortify your online security.
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is like adding a padlock to the security door of your online profiles. Despite it seeming like a tedious extra measure, it’s well worth it in the long run to make use of 2FA – and remember to never share your one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone.
Tools and resources
There are various apps and tools you can use to further protect your online presence from undesirable behaviour. Consider utilising a high-quality VPN to secure your online movements.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet traffic and obscure your IP address, ultimately helping to protect your online identity. For victims of cyberstalking, VPNs are really helpful in hiding your location and preventing interception from unwanted parties.
Anti-tracking apps and software can further obscure your real-life location from online attackers. Additionally, the eSafety Guide is a great resource for learning about different approaches and steps to stay safe on various platforms and programs.
Remaining vigilant
It’s important to regularly monitor your social media and online accounts for any suspicious or fraudulent activity. Perpetrators of cyberstalking and digital harassment may try to slide into your DMs or attempt to log into your profile. If you’re contacted online by someone you don’t know, avoid clicking on suspicious links and limit interactions with unknown parties.
Most platforms alert users to security breaches, so if you receive such a message from a platform you use, it’s vital to take immediate action. This might mean changing your password or enhancing your account security. Keeping a close eye on your accounts and reporting any suspicious attempts or unauthorised access is crucial for maintaining your online security.
What to do if you’re a victim
If you suspect that you’re a victim of online stalking or harassment, consider contacting an authority. While digital harassment or stalking may not have escalated into physical interactions, if you feel like your safety is at risk, it’s best to report it.
This could involve filing a police report or seeking legal representation to help you obtain a protective order. The eSafety Commission also has a portal for reporting cyber abuse and learning about possible actions.
Even if the harassment is only virtual, the psychological effects can be very real. Contacting a counsellor or a support service can help you process the situation and manage your safety, mental health and physical wellbeing.
For more information and access to help if you’ve a victim of cyber abuse, head here.
