Anyone who plies the information superhighway is vulnerable to cyberstalking—use of the Internet to stalk, harass, or threaten someone repeatedly.

Problems that start with e-mail, chat rooms, blog posts, instant messaging (IM), or online discussion groups may not stay put in cyberspace, either. A stalker might track down your phone number or address.

Protect Yourself
These safety tips can help protect you from unwanted contact:

• Periodically review your computer’s security. Make sure to update all firewalls and your antivirus and antispyware programs.
• Don’t use your real name or nickname as your screen name or user ID.
• Use caution when meeting people in person that you’ve met online. If you choose to do so, meet in a public place and bring a friend.
• Change your password often and don’t share it with anyone.
• Delete e-mails unread from people you don’t know.
• Limit access to social networking profiles such as Facebook and MySpace, online blogs, IM, and chat rooms to people you know and trust.
• Don’t post your phone number, address, or other personal information online.
• Don’t respond to an e-mail, IM, or post when you’re angry. Take time to cool down. Never send an e-mail, post, or message that contains something you wouldn’t want someone else to read.

Take Action
If you are being stalked or harassed, take these steps at once:

• If you’re receiving unwanted, harassing, or threatening contact, tell the person not to contact you again. Then, do not reply to any e-mails, posts, or contacts from the person.
• If the person is harassing you via e-mail, contact the person’s Internet service provider (AOL, Yahoo, etc.) and make a complaint.
• If the harassment is taking place in IM or a chat room, log off and stay offline for 24 hours. During that time change your user ID, nickname, and all information in your profile.
• Make hard copies of all contact between you and the harasser. Keep a record of your contacts with Internet system providers or law enforcement agencies.
• Contact your local police if a stalker contacts you offline (by phone, for instance). He or she may know where you live.

Staying safe on the Internet requires forethought and protective action. Being proactive before there’s a problem can keep you safe.

For more information, visit CyberAngels at www.cyberangels.org.

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