I’ve been answering tech and digital-lifestyle questions on my national radio show and podcast for a few years. At this point, I’ve heard all of it.
I also notice trends. Sometimes, everyone desires to learn about app privacy.
Increasingly more, I’m hearing from people who find themselves being stalked online — or who suspect they’re.
For many who are being stalked or digitally harassed, it’s a terrifying experience and one to take very seriously. Here’s my guide to protecting yourself online.
A note about stalkers and digital spies
One in all my listeners, Rhonda from Boston, called because a hacker had been tormenting her for seven years. They disabled her home security system, broke into her automobile, and altered her passwords. Jill from Phoenix said she’s been coping with similar invasive issues for 2 years.
One family’s issues ended with an arrest after a stalker tricked the college-aged daughter of a caller to my show.
In my experience, these stalkers are almost at all times people who find themselves or were near the victim.
If something strange happens — your passwords are hacked, someone is logging in to your accounts, you discover an AirTag in your automobile or in your bag — consider who in your life might be behind it.
I don’t say this to scare or make you query your mates and family members. As an alternative, it could possibly often take a protracted time to seek out out who’s behind these invasions, and it’s good to think logically from the beginning.
Start along with your router
I like to start out here because so many individuals ignore just how much info someone has in the event that they know the login to your router. Theoretically, they will see what you do online and what devices are connected.
That, particularly, might be dangerous. It allows a stalker to see in the event you’re home and using the web out of your phone, for instance.
In the event you’re concerned that somebody is accessing your devices or knows an excessive amount of about your life, get a latest router. You’ll want to reset the default password as soon as possible.
Change your passwords
Are you lately divorced? That you must do numerous work to untangle your digital life out of your spouse.
Whether or not the person harassing you is your ex, they could have found their way into your accounts, and that’s a giant problem. Start along with your most significant logins — like your email, cloud storage, and bank — and alter the passwords.
No repeating passwords, and don’t use anything easy to guess. Think about using a password manager to maintain track of them.
Kim Komando
Sound like a tech pro, even in the event you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 individuals who get her free 5-minute day by day email newsletter.
Use stronger two-factor authentication
Add an additional layer of security to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication. Yes, you’ll be able to do that via text, nevertheless it’s not the safest way. I like to recommend using an authenticator app. These apps generate one-time login codes. You would like the username, password, and code to get into an account.
Be on the hunt for malware
Check your monthly data usage, search for unexplained charges in your bill and take sudden pop-ups as red flags. Use antivirus software to scan your devices for any malware or spyware that could be installed.
When the difficulty is along with your phone, a full factory reset is the simplest strategy to start fresh. Scroll to No. 2 for the steps to do that for an iPhone or Android. You’ll want to back up your photos, videos, and messages first.
Update your software
Make sure that all your devices are running the most recent versions of their operating systems and software. This patches security vulnerabilities that hackers could have exploited.
Seek the advice of a cybersecurity skilled
Once I hear a couple of sure case of cyberstalking, I highly recommend reaching out to a cybersecurity skilled. You need to contact your local authorities, but someone specializing in digital forensics could have time and resources your local police department doesn’t.
I’ve been answering tech and digital-lifestyle questions on my national radio show and podcast for a few years. At this point, I’ve heard all of it.
I also notice trends. Sometimes, everyone desires to learn about app privacy.
Increasingly more, I’m hearing from people who find themselves being stalked online — or who suspect they’re.
For many who are being stalked or digitally harassed, it’s a terrifying experience and one to take very seriously. Here’s my guide to protecting yourself online.
A note about stalkers and digital spies
One in all my listeners, Rhonda from Boston, called because a hacker had been tormenting her for seven years. They disabled her home security system, broke into her automobile, and altered her passwords. Jill from Phoenix said she’s been coping with similar invasive issues for 2 years.
One family’s issues ended with an arrest after a stalker tricked the college-aged daughter of a caller to my show.
In my experience, these stalkers are almost at all times people who find themselves or were near the victim.
If something strange happens — your passwords are hacked, someone is logging in to your accounts, you discover an AirTag in your automobile or in your bag — consider who in your life might be behind it.
I don’t say this to scare or make you query your mates and family members. As an alternative, it could possibly often take a protracted time to seek out out who’s behind these invasions, and it’s good to think logically from the beginning.
Start along with your router
I like to start out here because so many individuals ignore just how much info someone has in the event that they know the login to your router. Theoretically, they will see what you do online and what devices are connected.
That, particularly, might be dangerous. It allows a stalker to see in the event you’re home and using the web out of your phone, for instance.
In the event you’re concerned that somebody is accessing your devices or knows an excessive amount of about your life, get a latest router. You’ll want to reset the default password as soon as possible.
Change your passwords
Are you lately divorced? That you must do numerous work to untangle your digital life out of your spouse.
Whether or not the person harassing you is your ex, they could have found their way into your accounts, and that’s a giant problem. Start along with your most significant logins — like your email, cloud storage, and bank — and alter the passwords.
No repeating passwords, and don’t use anything easy to guess. Think about using a password manager to maintain track of them.
Kim Komando
Sound like a tech pro, even in the event you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 individuals who get her free 5-minute day by day email newsletter.
Use stronger two-factor authentication
Add an additional layer of security to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication. Yes, you’ll be able to do that via text, nevertheless it’s not the safest way. I like to recommend using an authenticator app. These apps generate one-time login codes. You would like the username, password, and code to get into an account.
Be on the hunt for malware
Check your monthly data usage, search for unexplained charges in your bill and take sudden pop-ups as red flags. Use antivirus software to scan your devices for any malware or spyware that could be installed.
When the difficulty is along with your phone, a full factory reset is the simplest strategy to start fresh. Scroll to No. 2 for the steps to do that for an iPhone or Android. You’ll want to back up your photos, videos, and messages first.
Update your software
Make sure that all your devices are running the most recent versions of their operating systems and software. This patches security vulnerabilities that hackers could have exploited.
Seek the advice of a cybersecurity skilled
Once I hear a couple of sure case of cyberstalking, I highly recommend reaching out to a cybersecurity skilled. You need to contact your local authorities, but someone specializing in digital forensics could have time and resources your local police department doesn’t.
