23% of online daters experience cyber harassment – Kaspersky

About 23 per cent of individuals surveyed in a study commissioned by Kaspersky, a cybersecurity firm, reported experiencing online stalking from someone they were newly dating.

The research, involving 21,000 participants globally, also indicated that over 90 per cent of respondents were willing to share passwords that could potentially compromise their location privacy.

The survey revealed that about 34 per cent of people think it was okay to Google or check social media about their potential dating, and 41 per cent admitted doing so.

However, online daters face risks like stalking and privacy issues, especially on Valentine’s Day. Despite the challenges, they are taking steps to protect themselves in the pursuit of love, the survey indicated.

Cyberstalking refers to the use of the Internet and other technologies to harass or stalk another person online.

In Nigeria, it is a significant issue, with the Cybercrime Act 2015 explicitly criminalising the practice.

The Act outlines penalties for cyberstalking, which include imprisonment for up to three years and fines of not more than N7m, depending on the severity of the offence.

The survey revealed diverse forms of abuse, with 39 per cent of respondents experiencing violence or abuse from a current or past partner.

This included 16 per cent receiving unwanted emails or messages, 13 per cent being filmed or photographed without consent, 10 per cent having their location tracked, 10 per cent facing hacked social media or email accounts, and 7 per cent having stalkerware installed on their devices without permission.

More females (42 per cent) than males (36 per cent) among the respondents reported experiencing violence or abuse.

The report noted that a higher proportion of those currently dating (48 per cent) faced violence or abuse compared to those in long-term relationships (37 per cent).

Additionally, 34 per cent expressed concerns about online stalking, with slightly more females (36 per cent) being worried compared to males (31 per cent).

The Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky, David Emm, said the Internet of Things, or connected world, is brilliant and offers a myriad of possibilities, but with opportunity comes threats and one of those threats.

He stated, “Whilst the blame for these horrific behaviours never lies with stalking victims, unfortunately, there is still a burden upon them to take steps to minimise risks.

“I think it’s great that people are taking steps to verify identities online, but would encourage people to just stop and do a quick sense check on any information, passwords, or data they share, to just think through how that information could be used in nefarious hands.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).