Strengthen online privacy, use block/report features, separate personal/professional accounts, practice secure communication, learn cybersecurity, explore anti-harassment tools, establish a support network, prioritize self-care, participate in advocacy, and understand legal protections to combat online harassment.
How Can Women Protect Themselves From Online Harassment in the Tech Space?
Strengthen online privacy, use block/report features, separate personal/professional accounts, practice secure communication, learn cybersecurity, explore anti-harassment tools, establish a support network, prioritize self-care, participate in advocacy, and understand legal protections to combat online harassment.
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Strengthen Online Privacy Settings
Implement robust privacy settings across all your social media platforms and professional networking sites. Ensure that personal information, such as your home address, phone number, and email, is not publicly available. Regularly review and adjust these settings as platforms often update their privacy options.
Leverage Block and Report Features
Do not hesitate to use the block and report functions provided by social media platforms and professional networking sites. Reporting abusive behavior not only protects you but also helps platforms identify and take action against violators of their community guidelines.
Create Separate Professional Accounts
Maintain a clear boundary between your personal and professional online presence by creating separate accounts. Use your professional accounts strictly for work-related communication and networking. This strategy helps in maintaining professionalism and limits exposure to potential online harassment.
Engage in Secure Communication Practices
Be cautious when sharing your email address or engaging in communication with unknown contacts. Consider using services that mask your email or offer temporary email addresses for public posts or engagements. Also, be wary of unsolicited email attachments or links, which could be phishing attempts.
Educate Yourself on Cybersecurity Measures
Familiarize yourself with basic cybersecurity principles, such as using strong, unique passwords for each account and enabling two-factor authentication where available. Knowledge of these practices can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized account access and potential harassment.
Utilize Anti-Harassment Tools and Services
Explore tools and services designed to protect users from online harassment. This includes software that can filter abusive emails, tools that monitor for the unauthorized sharing of personal images, and platforms that can scrub your personal information from the internet.
Establish a Support Network
Connect with colleagues, mentors, and networks of women in tech who can provide support, advice, and solidarity. These communities can also offer practical advice based on shared experiences and may have resources or contacts that can help address harassment situations effectively.
Practice Self-Care and Seek Professional Help if Needed
Dealing with online harassment can be emotionally exhausting. It's important to practice self-care and seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is crucial in the face of such challenges.
Participate in Advocacy and Awareness
Contribute to the broader effort to combat online harassment by getting involved in advocacy and awareness campaigns. Sharing your experience, when you feel comfortable doing so, can empower others to speak out or could contribute to the development of better protective measures at a policy level.
Stay Informed About Legal Protections
Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that protect against online harassment in your country or state. Knowing your legal rights can empower you to take action against harassers, whether that means working with platform moderators or taking legal action.
What else to take into account
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