Prevent Cyberstalking

Consider these questions as you review the examples below. Try the quiz from the left menu: What Have You Learned? after you’ve spent some time with this section.

In 2006, Chester Bennington, member of the band Linkin Park, became the victim of a cyberstalker. After receiving a mass email that included Chester’s address, Devon Townsend managed to figure out his email password and sent numerous creepy messages to Chester and his wife, and soon began calling him repeatedly. Devon also managed to hack into his voicemail and was able to track where he was and what he was doing on a daily basis.  Chester and his wife hired professional help and spent nearly a year uncovering this cyberstalker and taking her to trial.
The following short film is a further discussion of what constitutes cyberstalking and offers some advice for preventing this from happening to you.

Video posted by: ExclusiveRevolution

• Cyberstalking is the use of electronic means to invade someone’s privacy. Often, it leads to threats and harassment both online and offline.
• Did you know that 44% of victims had a prior relationship with their stalker?
• Did you know that men and women are almost equally as likely to be stalkers, but women are more likely to be the victim?
• In order to keep yourself safe from cyberstalking, monitor the amount of personal information you make available online. If people know your address, phone number, class schedule etc. it’s easier to find you in person.
• If you are engaged in an online conversation with somebody who is provoking you, insulting you, or attempting to start an argument, do not take the bait! Cyberstalkers are looking for reactions and giving them one will make you more enticing. Ignore them, block them or remove them from your contacts, and report them to the website’s administrators.