Cyber Harassment

  • 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.

  • Cyber Harassment Prevention & Tips

    Use Strong Passwords

    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.

    • Control your identity and public information on social media and with data brokers. Set up social media accounts to limit sharing to only information you are comfortable being public and keep the profiles current.

    • Regularly review data about you that is being made available through data brokers and take action to remove any data you feel exceed what you are willing to share publicly.

    Don’t Share Your Location

    Review & Update Your Data 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

  • 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.
    • 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.
  • Reporting Cyber Harassment

    Contact Resources

    University of Richmond Police Department

    Director of Compliance & Title IX Coordinator