Cyber-stalking is a phenomenon where a person can infiltrate and “stalk” another person through their personal devices, taking place completely online, taking over your online presence.  

 

“I’m talking here about a situation about a complete takeover, where someone else, known or unknown to you, can read your email, post to your social media feeds, and run any software they want (including malware) on your computer.” (PC Mag) 

 

This type of harassment can be even more invasive than normal kinds of stalking behaviors, because there’s not much police can do about it since the perpetrator remains behind a screen. Oftentimes, there is not enough evidence for police intervention.

 

“(I received) an email from a reader seeking help for a relative experiencing exactly this kind of digital stalking. The relative’s shadowy nemesis changed passwords on his phone and computer, altered settings to eliminate operating system security features, and gained full access to his email,” (PC Mag). “Yes, they reported this invasion to the police, but the police couldn’t do anything. There was no smoking gun, no physical evidence, no video footage of the perp fleeing the crime scene. Even the best detectives may not be trained to investigate cyber-crime.”  

 

Trying to fix the problem yourself, there’s not much more you can do than run anti-virus scans and try to kick the perpetrator out. However, these methods are not guaranteed to work if your stalker is especially determined. There are sophisticated efforts to make sure that the stalker is not removed from the account or device. 

 

“It’s likely that the attacker initially gained control of the PC using a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). If this type of malware slips past your antivirus, its owner has unlimited power over the PC. Exempt the RAT from future antivirus scans? Sure! Turn off all security settings in Windows? No problem! In fact, the RAT-pilot can reconfigure Windows to permit remote control without requiring any malwareThat degree of control can even make the RAT redundant, so it’s no big deal if a subsequent malware scan removes it.” (PC Mag).  

 

The damage-control that comes after you become aware of a cyber-stalker is a headache. It involves completely wiping out your accounts, passwords, and devices and starting completely from scratch if you cannot weed the stalker out. It is much easier to just prevent the stalker from ever having access in the first place.  

 

“Two-factor or even multifactor authentication is a golden ticket for privacy protection. Remote takeover of an account or system becomes almost impossible when authentication requires a factor beyond just the password. Using multifactor authentication puts a huge barrier in front of anyone trying to take over your accounts and devices. Here’s hoping you never experience the nightmare of identity theft, or of a complete digital takeover by a sadistic stalker.” (PC Mag).  

 

A new Florida Bill could put cyber-stalkers behind bars for 15 years if they are found guilty and if it ends up being signed into law. 

 

“Using those digital methods to cause “substantial emotional distress” and “serving no legitimate purpose” can get you in trouble with the law, should DeSantis sign the bill. Additionally, threatening bodily harm, such as threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism online would also lead to additional punishments under the law.” (WFLA). 

 

Being found guilty of cyber-stalking will come with serious consequences if the bill is ratified. 

 

“Someone who violates the updated statutes would be committing a second-degree felony. State law puts second degree felony punishments up to 15 years in prison, and the potential for up to $10,000 in fines for those violations.” (WFLA). 

 

Have any questions about cyber-security? Responsive Technology Partners is the leading cyber-security expert in the Athens, Metter, Milledgeville, Vidalia, and Atlanta, Georgia areas. We also have locations in Tampa, Florida, Roanoke, Virginia, and Raleigh South Carolina. Please check out our website to learn more: https://www.responsivetechnologypartners.com/. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources: 

Rubenking, Neil. “Has a Cyberstalker Taken Over Your Life? Here’s How to Get It Back.” PCMAG, 9 Sept. 2021, www.pcmag.com/how-to/has-a-cyberstalker-taken-over-your-life-heres-how-to-get-it-back

Sachs, Sam. “Cyberstalking could get you 15 years in Florida prison if new bill is signed.” WFLA, 9 Sept. 2021, 

https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/cyberstalking-could-get-you-15-years-in-florida-prison-if-new-bill-is-signed/