Technology
How to tell if you’re being STALKED online on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp
CYBER-STALKERS can seriously damage your life – so it’s worth looking out for key signs.
We spoke to online security experts who revealed the most telling signs, and hidden clues to look out for.
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UnsplashYour iPhone holds clues to spotting cyber-stalkers[/caption]
Paul Bischoff, of Comparitech – check your phone
“It depends on the degree of watching or stalking,” cyber-expert Paul told The Sun.
“There is no way to know if someone is viewing information you’ve posted publicly, such as photos on Instagram – unless they interact with your posts.
“The only way to avoid that is to abstain from posting, or make your accounts private.
“More serious cyber stalkers install and infect their victim’s device with malware that can monitor calls, texts and web browsing.
“Your phone or other devices might exhibit symptoms if this is the case.
“iPhones usually have to be jailbroken for stalker ware to work, so check for apps like Cydia and SBSettings that are frequently used with jailbroken phones.
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“A quickly draining battery, unexpected notifications, and slow startup or shutdown times can be signs of malware.
“You can sort apps by battery drain or resources used on Android.
“Stalkerware is usually quite active and will appear near the top of results, often under a suspicious name.
“Stalkers might lie in wait for you on chat apps that show the user’s current status (e.g. Facebook Messenger’s green dot for active users.
“Disable these or set them to always off or always away.”
Chris Hauk, of Pixel Privacy – social media warnings
“You may see a large number of texts, emails or other messages from an online stalker,” privacy expert Chris told The Sun.
“This occurs even after you’ve told the person to no longer contact you.
“They may force you to respond to their messages by threatening harm to loved ones, or even threaten to harm themselves if you don’t respond to their overtures.
“You may also notice that the stalker comments on or ‘likes’ most of your social media posts.
“While friends and family will certainly ‘like’ posts, a cyberstalker may like or comment on what seems like all of your posts.
“Cyberstalkers will track you on social media, perhaps contacting friends or family to glean more information about you.
“They may also spread unfounded rumours to friends and family, seeking to estrange you from those groups or humiliate you online.
“They may pose as you online, in an attempt to make it appear as if it is you that is making offensive posts.”
If you think you’re in immediate danger, dial the emergency services on 999 (UK) or 911 (US). You can contact the National Stalking Helpline in the UK on 0808 802 0300. You can contact the National Center for Victims of Crime in the US on 1-855-484-2846.
Where can I get help?
You don’t have to suffer in silence.
If you are experiencing domestic violence or someone you know is there are groups that can help.
Refuge runs a free, 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.
You can also visit the website or contact Women’s Aid.
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