Stalking is one of many types of abuse that can affect women and men. It is a serious problem that is difficult to deal with. Today, the problem is exacerbated by the proliferation of new technologies that make stalking easier. Spy cameras and Remote Access Trojans (RATs) make it easier for attackers to remain invisible and undetected. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the downside of technology and how to protect yourself from it.

How technology exacerbates abuse
How can I recognize spy cams?
Remote Access Trojans (RATs) on laptops or cell phones
Stalking in the literature

How technology exacerbates abuse

The young man who fell in love with Marie had no luck with her. He was angry and determined to do anything to get her back. The guilt she felt toward him was the reason she allowed him to keep the key to her apartment. When he couldn’t win her back, things went from threats to stalking. Soon after, she discovered cameras monitoring her bedroom and bathroom from secret locations.

In the past, it was still necessary for a stalker to be in close proximity to his victim, ambushing or even following him. However, this at least made the threat situation recognizable. Today, new technologies offer ways to observe a victim’s life without even being on the scene. Technology has made it possible for privacy invaders to disguise their behavior and track their victims without them noticing. The problem is that many people don’t even know they are being stalked until it is too late.

Stalking is a profound and terrifying experience that no one should have to go through. Understanding spy cams and remote Trojans is critical to protecting yourself from the assaults caused by the use of these technologies. Technology is a wonderful thing, but it must be used responsibly to ensure that no one has the right to invade another’s privacy.

How can I recognize spy cams?

If you are concerned that SpyCams have been placed in your home, there are a few ways to detect them. Here are some tips on how you can proceed:

• Look for suspicious objects: Do a thorough visual inspection of your apartment. Look for unusual or newly placed items that could contain cameras. For example, they could look like smoke detectors, motion sensors, USB sticks, plug adapters, clocks, picture frames or other everyday items. Look for small holes, objects that are unusually positioned, or cables that don’t belong to other devices.
• Check the lighting: SpyCams often require a power supply, so they might be connected to a power source. Look for any unusual or extra wires coming from lights, outlets, or electronic devices.
• Use a spy camera detector: there are devices on the market specifically designed to find spy cameras. These detectors can detect radio frequencies or infrared signals emitted by spy cams. With such a device, you can systematically search your home and locate suspicious signals.
• Use a mobile app: There are also mobile apps that can help detect hidden cameras. These apps use your smartphone’s camera to search for infrared radiation or reflected light signals that may be emitted by spy cameras.
• Get professional help: if you are still unsure or suspect that spy cams have been installed in your home, you can also seek professional help. There are security companies or professionals who specialize in detecting hidden cameras and can help you inspect and protect your privacy.

Remote Access Trojans (RATs) on laptops or cell phones

• Update your software: Keep your operating system, antivirus software and any other programs up to date. Software updates often include security enhancements and patches that can close known vulnerabilities.
• Run regular virus scans: Use trusted antivirus software and run regular full system scans to check for malicious software, including RATs. Make sure that your antivirus software is up-to-date and its virus definitions are updated regularly.
• Check for unusual behavior: Watch for unusual or suspicious activity on your laptop or phone. These include slow performance, sudden data consumption, unexplained network traffic, unexpected system crashes or unusual pop-ups. These signs could indicate a RAT infection.
• Monitor network traffic: use network monitoring tools to monitor your device’s incoming and outgoing network traffic. Look for suspicious connections to unknown IP addresses or suspicious ports. If you notice unusual network activity, you should investigate further to see what could be behind it.
• Check your installed apps and programs: Go through your installed apps and programs and check if you recognize all of them. If you find suspicious or unknown apps, research them on the Internet to see if there is any evidence that they could be malicious.
• Be wary of suspicious emails and file attachments: Do not open emails from unknown senders and do not download suspicious file attachments. RATs are often spread via phishing emails, which are designed to trick users into opening malicious files or clicking on fraudulent links.
• Consult an expert: If you continue to have concerns or believe your device is compromised, contact an IT security expert. They can perform further investigations to detect and remove RATs or other malicious programs.

Stalking in the literature

There are several examples of stalking in the literature that also involve new technologies. Here are some examples:

• “You” by Caroline Kepnes: In this novel, the protagonist Joe Goldberg stalks a woman named Beck. He uses modern technologies like social media to gather information about her and manipulate her. He secretly watches her, tracks her activities online and offline, and even intervenes in her life to win her over.
• “13 Minutes” by Sarah Pinborough: In this thriller, popular high school student Natasha is revived after an accident and has no memory of the last thirteen minutes of her life. As the story unfolds, it turns out that she has been stalked by a former friend who has been harassing and monitoring her online.
• “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson: In this book, the main character Lisbeth Salander, a hacker with extraordinary abilities, plays a central role. She helps journalist Mikael Blomkvist investigate a missing girl and also uncovers various forms of stalking using modern technologies such as surveillance cameras and illegal access to computers.

These books show how modern technologies such as social media, surveillance cameras, and hacking can be used to spy on, harass, or threaten people. They illustrate the potential danger of stalking and the impact on the privacy and security of the individuals involved.