Stalking has moved from the bushes to the browser. "Cyberstalking" is the use of technology to harass, threaten, or monitor a victim. It is a crime, but it often leaves invisible scars.
Signs You Are Being Cyberstalked
- The person knows where you are without you telling them.
- You receive excessive emails or messages, often from fake accounts.
- Your passwords stop working or your accounts get locked.
- Private photos or information are leaked or used for blackmail.
The "Stalkerware" Threat
Abusers often install "spouseware" or stalkerware on victims' phones. These apps run silently in the background, recording calls, reading texts, and logging GPS location.
⚠️ Check Your Battery
Spyware consumes a lot of power. If your phone battery is draining twice as fast as usual, or if your phone feels hot when idle, something malicious might be running.
How to Fight Back
- Document Everything: Take screenshots of texts, emails, and call logs. Do not delete them. You need evidence for a restraining order.
- Secure Your Accounts: Enable 2FA on Google, iCloud, and Facebook. Force a logout on all devices.
- Factory Reset: If you suspect your phone is compromised, the only 100% cure is a factory reset. It wipes everything, including the hidden spyware.