Cyber stalking is a crime. It occurs when one person harasses another by way of the internet, such as with email or IM’s (instant messaging). It can also include messages posted on a website, in a blog, or in an online forum. Typically, a cyber stalker depends upon the ability to remain anonymous which is so readily available over the internet. This anonymity allows the cyber stalker to target his or her victim(s) without being identified and stopped or prosecuted.
Cyber stalking can take on many different forms. However, it does not function in the same way as the regular SPAM that we all receive in our inboxes every day. Instead, a cyber stalker’s messages are typically quite threatening and targets an individual victim. SPAM on the other hand, targets a multitude of recipients and are more of a nuisance than actually threatening.
Furthermore, cyber stalking is treated somewhat differently, depending on where it occurs. For example, when an organization stalks an individual, it is referred to as corporate cyber stalking. It must be recognized that corporate cyber stalking and corporate email monitoring are not considered to be the same thing.
In 2001, 58 percent of all reported cyber stalkers were male, while 32 percent of cyber stalkers were female. Indeed, this means that the remaining 10 percent are gender unknown.
Most frequently, cyber stalking begins with a simple email messaging. However, it will always grow from there. It will commonly move on to message boards and forums, however, rarely it will also include chatting and IM’ing.
Cyber stalking can be a problem online, but it becomes much more dangerous when it moves to the real world, where the stalking incident can continue “live”. Physical danger then becomes a very real possibility. This is why 45 states now have their own cyber stalking laws, while one more is on the way.
Janet Reno, former U.S. Attorney General, claims that cyber stalking is frequently “a prelude to more serious behavior, including physical violence.”
There are many things that you can do to protect yourself from cyber stalking. First and foremost of these is your own effort to remain anonymous online. The less identifiable you are, the harder you will make it for prospective cyber stalkers to successfully pursue you.