Cyber Harassment
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Cyber Harassment
What is Cyber Harassment?
The common factor is the use of technology to establish power and control by causing fear and/or intimidation. It is intentional and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. This may include the criminal tracking down someone’s personal and private information and using it to make them afraid.
Cyber bullying - Creating harmful posts, sharing personal or false information, inciting others to harass a target on-line.
Cyberstalking - Cyberstalking is a crime in which someone harasses or stalks a victim using electronic or digital means. To learn more about the legislation for the Commonwealth of Virginia see below:
Doxxing - Sourcing and collecting someone’s personal/private information and then publicly releasing it online.
Trolling - act of posting damaging or harassing comments on social media to purposefully insult or humiliate the recipient.
Hate speech - offensive discourse targeting a group or an individual based on inherent characteristics (such as race, religion or gender) and that may threaten social peace.
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Cyber Harassment Prevention & Tips
Use Strong Passwords
- If someone can access your personal information, it can have serious long-term effects—and not just online. More info at: https://is.richmond.edu/infosec/cybersecuritybasics/index.html
Control Your Content
- Claim your identity on social media. Set up social media accounts and keep the profiles current. You don’t have to join every platform; a few key ones will do.
Don’t Share Your Location
- Be aware of when your location is being requested or shared unintentionally. Check the location settings to turn it off to keep your location private. More info at: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-not-accidentally-share-your-location/
Review & Update Your Data Privacy Settings
- It is a good practice to review and select the appropriate privacy settings when accessing an online service and periodically as they may change over time.
More info at: https://staysafeonline.org/resources/manage-your-privacy-settings/
Never Share Your Private Information
- If it is sensitive information or information you do not want shared, do not put it online - regardless of the privacy settings.
Use Up to Date Security Software
- Use an anti-virus software which can run a full-system scan of your device. More info at: https://staysafeonline.org/online-safety-privacy-basics/how-to-tell-if-your-computer-has-a-virus-what-to-do-about-it/
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Doxxing Prevention & Tips
What is Doxxing?
The sourcing and collecting someone’s personal/private information and then publicly releasing it online.
What Should I Do if I Am Doxxed?- Contact your local law enforcement to file a police report. Doxxing is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you need to take legal action against an individual or site, this report will be beneficial.
- University of Richmond Police Department
- Consider enrolling in a data removal service. There are services available to assist people who want their private information removed from online sources. Some examples of these services are:
*If you wish to utilize such a service you should carefully review their terms and conditions as well as ensure that their capabilities align with what data removal results you are trying to achieve.
- Review your online presence and make sure your personal information is protected at a level you’re comfortable with. Check the privacy settings on your social media accounts, web browsers, and other online services. You can find step‑by‑step guidance on our page here.
- Contact your local law enforcement to file a police report. Doxxing is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you need to take legal action against an individual or site, this report will be beneficial.
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Reporting Cyber Harassment
Contact Resources
University of Richmond Police Department
Director of Compliance & Title IX Coordinator