Hi! I’m sorry to bother you but I remember you being good with computers I think? I just wanted to ask your opinion on something - I got some threatening messages on an unsecured site claiming they’d found my up address and real address, and we’re going to pretend I’d done something illegal to send the police to my home. I’m like 80% sure they were full of shit since I wasn’t even at home at the time but I can’t stop worrying - could they actually do this? Location services and all that were off

There’s like a 99% chance that they’re just blowing smoke (espesh since you weren’t even home at the time), but that is theoretically possible depending on your browsing habits and security hygiene.  Keeping location services etc. turned off is a very good idea; here’s some more for-your-peace-of-mind pro jamer tips:

* Make sure all your passwords are random alphanumeric strings or (wherever possible) multi-word pass phrases, never ever re-use passwords, change them regularly

* Use an adblocker, flash blocker, script blocker, and VPN whenever you can (Opera, the best browser ever, does all that stuff: https://www.opera.com/ )

* Install antivirus software that’s actually good (https://www.malwarebytes.com/) and keep it up-to-date

* Don’t click on links you’re not 100% sure about

* Think real hard about what personal information you’re willing to share online

Speak Up and Stay Safe®: A guide to protecting yourself from online harassment (Feminist Frequency)

How to remove yourself from people search directories

Riseup.net’s digital security basics

Surveillance Self-Defense: Tips, tools, and how-tos for safer online communication (Electronic Frontier Foundation)

Cybersecurity for victims of stalking and domestic violence (Hackblossom)

Stay safe out there, console cowboy