Semalt Expert Defines 12 Tips That Will Help You Prevent Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking can be terrifying, but if you stay vigilant, you can be safe on the internet.

By taking the following steps from the Senior Sales Manager of Semalt, Ryan Johnson, you can use your cell phone, tablet, or smart watch while protecting your identity, property, and sanity:

#1. Guard your home address

When you fill out forms on the internet, use a P.O. box or work address and never have your home address openly available.

#2. Password protect all accounts

Use a password on everything including your cell phone, email accounts, banking accounts and credit card accounts. A secure password gives you a modicum of defense against someone trying to harm you.

#3. Search your name and phone number online

Searching for your phone number and name online can stop a cyberstalker from creating a craigslist account, blog, or web page based on you.

#4. Scrutinize emails, calls, and texts asking for information

Cyberstalkers often pose as banking representatives, utility agents, credit card company representatives, or cell phone providers to steal personal information. If you receive a suspicious message, ignore it and call the bank or company directly.

#5. Guard your social security number

Do not give anyone your social security number unless you have verified that they definitely work for the company. Never enter your social security number into a website unless it is verified by a company or government agency.

#6. Use free registry counters record traffic to your blogs and web sites

Use a stat counter to identify who visit your site or blog. These counters record the IP address, city, date, state, time, and internet service provider of users.

#7. Monitor your credit status

Business professionals or those in the public eye need to monitor their credit status twice a year, especially if cyberstalking is possible. Free copies of a credit report are available once a year from credit bureaus. Obtaining a report from a credit bureau will not damage your credit rating.

#8. Reset passwords after a divorce or break up

Contact your bank and credit card companies and let them know your ex or former spouse is not allowed access to your accounts. Even if the break up was amicable, be safe and protect yourself.

If you want to be extra careful buy a new cell phone and new credit cards and make these changes as quickly as possible.

#9. Modify all your accounts if suspect cyberstalking

Update all of your accounts. If you are sure you are being cyberstalked, check your credit score and find a new bank. This step should definitely be taken if you notice more than two suspicious occurrences in a month.

#10. Have your PC professionally inspected

Once you know you are being cyberstalked, you should assume your computer is compromised. Take your computer and other devices to a professional and have them inspect it for worms and spyware.

#11. Act fast to catch a cyberstalker

When you know you are being cyberstalked act quickly to defend your identity and financial security. The faster you act the harder you will be to harass, making you a less interesting target.

#12. Get plenty of emotional support

Being harassed can be emotionally taxing and cause significant bouts of anxiety. If you can, hire a therapist that specializes in stalking to deal with the aftermath.

Cyberstalking is a difficult crime for police to prevent, so you will need to make an effort to get your life back together. But remember: your cyberstalker only has as much power over you as you allow them to have.