Cyber Stalking – The Rising Threat

Posted on: Sep 15, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Cyber Stalking – The Rising Threat

Cyberstalking is a significant problem that should not be ignored. If you believe you are being followed, you must take steps to protect yourself. You may save yourself by purchasing cybersecurity insurance. Let's look in depth.

What is Cyberstalking?

When someone stalks or harasses another person online, they have committed cyberstalking, which is illegal. Although "cyber stalking" is used broadly to refer to online harassment, it may also involve serious threats, defamation, and false charges. These connections often continue when the recipient asks the individual to stop. The target is regularly given inappropriate and even upsetting stuff, making them feel afraid.

What do You do If You are being Stalked Online?

Don't interact with the stalker. Their goal is usually to chat with you and develop a friendship. Never commit to a meeting, reply to their correspondence, or confront them about the stalking.

Police will take stalking allegations seriously and have plenty of expertise looking into them, so report them to them. Call the police immediately at once using 101 to say it. Call 999 if you believe there is an imminent danger to your safety.

What is the Punishment for Cyberstalking?

Sexual harassment is defined under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redress) Act 2013 as any unwelcome act, including internet harassment.

What are the Legal Guidelines for Online Harassment and Cyberstalking?

● The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act of 2013 added Section 354 D to the Indian Penal Code, which expressly forbids the Act of stalking.

● Under Section 354A of the IPC, sexual harassment is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine.

● Criminal intimidation is prohibited under Section 503 and is defined as making threats against a person with the intent to harm her reputation or to make her alter her mind about anything she would otherwise do or not do. The offences under S. 499 and S. 503 are punished by up to two years in jail and a fine.

● If someone is continuously harassing you with disparaging verbal abuse because of your gender, Section 509 of the IPC may protect you. According to the clause, anybody who speaks or makes a gesture to offend a woman's modesty and have it heard or seen by others would be penalized with up to a year in jail and a fine.

● Criminal intimidation by anonymous communication is punishable under Section 507 by up to two years in jail. According to section 228a of the IPC, publishing retaliatory pictures or films of rape victims is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine.

Act of 2008 on Information Technology

Any person who, by any of the authorities granted under this Act, rules or regulations adopted thereunder, has engaged in stalking is guilty of the offence under Section 72 of the Act, which reads as follows:

Without the relevant person's permission

● Suppose someone divulges any electronic record, book, register, communication, information, document, or other material to another person. In that case, they might face up to two years in jail, a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both.

● Obscene material publishing, transmission, and inducing its message are all prohibited under Section 67, and they are each punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine for a subsequent conviction.

● A specific category termed "content involving sexually explicit conduct" has been excluded by Section 67A. Publication, transfer, or inducing the transmission of such data is punished by up to five years in jail, a fine for a first offence, up to seven years in prison and a penalty for a second offence.

The IT Act of 2008's Section 66A stipulates:

Somebody who transmits through a communication device or computer resource

● Any information that is shockingly insulting or frightening;

● Any information that he knows to be false but that he uses consistently via the use of such computer resource or a communication device to irritate, discomfort, danger, obstruction, insult, harm, criminal intimidation, hostility, hate, or ill will,

● Any electronic mail or message sent to annoy, inconvenience, deceive, or mislead the addressee or receiver about the origin of such communications is punished by up to three years in jail and a fine.

Preventive Measures against Cyberstalking:

1. Alert people around:

Don't be afraid to let them know. They should assess their internet security while also being able to help you. As the stalker is likely to attempt to contact others close to you, ask your friends and family to be cautious about what they say about you and to avoid any interaction with them.

2. Opt for cybersecurity insurance:

While there is no definite method to avoid being a victim of online stalking, there are several precautions you may take. Choosing cybersecurity insurance is one of the most sensitive things you can do. Cybersecurity insurance can protect you financially if you are a victim of cybercrime.

3. Consider your offline security:

Stalking may occur both online and offline and can take many different forms. Think about your offline security at this time. Evaluating your home security and being aware of your safety throughout the stalking makes sense.

4. Verify your privacy settings:

Always verify your privacy settings, and keep your social media accounts as locked down as possible. Check your Facebook connections, friends, and other platforms, then narrow it down to people you know. Make sure to restrict access to your profile and content.

5. Reduce your digital footprint:

It is also essential to look at the personal data posted online about you and try to get rid of as much of it as possible.

Conclusion

Cyberstalking is a cybercrime in which a victim is stalked or harassed online. It may be seen as a progression from in-person stalking and online bullying. However, it typically appears in the form of continuous, purposeful, and systematic text messages, emails, social media postings, and other forms of communication. Thus, opting for a cybersecurity insurance plan is your best resort.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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