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My Encounter with Digital Stalking
Last year, I worked with a professional tennis player who received threatening messages on her Instagram account. It turned out that a stalker had been monitoring her every move, from her practice sessions to her personal life. This experience made me realize how vulnerable athletes are to digital stalking.
As someone who has been in the cybersecurity industry for over a decade, I was shocked by the lack of awareness among athletes about the dangers of digital footprints. Most of them are too focused on their training and competitions to worry about their online security.
The Alysa Liu Case: A Wake-Up Call
The recent news about Chinese operatives trying to stalk Alysa Liu and her father is a stark reminder of the risks that athletes face. According to a report by the FBI, there has been a significant increase in cyberstalking cases against high-profile individuals, including athletes.
A study by Pew Research Center found that 59% of adults in the US have experienced online harassment, with 36% reporting severe forms of harassment, such as physical threats or sustained harassment. Athletes, in particular, are more susceptible to these threats due to their public profile and extensive online presence.
Challenging the Assumption: ‘I’m Not a Celebrity, I’m Safe’
Most people think that only celebrities are at risk of digital stalking, but the reality is that anyone can be a target. With the rise of social media, it’s become easier for stalkers to gather information about their victims.
I’ve seen cases where athletes have shared their training schedules, travel plans, and personal addresses on social media, unknowingly putting themselves at risk. It’s essential for athletes to understand that their online presence can have real-life consequences.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Digital Footprint
So, what can athletes do to protect themselves? Here are some actionable steps:
- Use a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.
- Enable two-factor authentication on all your social media accounts and email.
- Be cautious when sharing personal information online, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.
- Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store unique, complex passwords.
My Experience with VPNs
I’ve been using VPNs for years, and I can attest to their effectiveness. When I traveled to China for a cybersecurity conference, I used ExpressVPN to access Google and other blocked websites. It was a game-changer.
FAQs
What is digital stalking, and how common is it?
Digital stalking refers to the act of monitoring someone’s online activities without their consent. According to a report by the CDC, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men have experienced stalking in their lifetime.
How can I report online harassment?
You can report online harassment to the platform where it occurred, such as Facebook or Twitter. You can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
What are some free resources for online security?
There are many free resources available, including the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative.
Can I use a VPN on my smartphone?
Yes, most VPNs have mobile apps that you can download and use on your smartphone. ExpressVPN and NordVPN both have user-friendly mobile apps.
How often should I update my passwords?
LastPass or 1Password to generate and store unique, complex passwords.
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Written by George · The Curious Loop · Updated April 21, 2026
Photo by Shamin Haky on Unsplash
