“Can I Tell You a Secret?”:

Netflix has recently released a new two-part documentary series, “Can I Tell You a Secret?“, exploring the world of cyberstalking through the perspective of Matthew Hardy’s crimes, as recounted by some of his victims. Hardy, a cyberstalker from England, terrorised multiple women over many years with his online harassment and threats.

The impact of the show was significant, raising awareness on the disturbing reality of cyberstalking cases and its effects on victims. Covered extensively by media outlets, including The Guardian, Glamour Magazine, and various TV shows, the show navigates the crimes of cyberstalking and online harassment, and the need for stronger measures to combat it.

In this blog post, we reveal the cyberstalking criminal profile, the impact on victims, the lessons learned for society & law enforcement, and more.

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Overview:

Based in Cheshire, England, Matthew Hardy’s 11-year cyberstalking spree affected 63 victims, resulting in ten arrests and a custodial sentence reduced from 9 to 8 years. 

Hardy’s MO was employing fake profiles, constant messaging, and intrusive calls, often beginning with the ominous question, “Can I tell you a secret?”. His escalating actions included hacking accounts, spreading false information, and obtaining and disseminating intimate images.

This case serves as a stark example of the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing cyberstalking effectively.

Understanding the Why:

Matthew Hardy’s actions reveal a complex psychological profile marked by a grandiose sense of self, fixation, and social isolation. While a defence argument pointed to Aspergers, the fundamental issue stemmed from his relentless pursuit to forge an online persona, driven by a quest for intimacy and revenge. 

The interplay of psychological factors in Hardy’s cyberstalking spree illuminates the motivations behind his disturbing actions, underscoring the complexity inherent in such criminal behaviours.

Cyber Threat Model:

The Cyber Threat Hunting model (a comprehensive approach used to assess and analyse the threats faced by individuals or organisations in the digital realm) reveals that Matthew Hardy’s basic skills, particularly in OSINT, provided him with the capability to engage in cyberstalking. 

This model also emphasises the obsessive nature of cyberstalking. When initial opportunities were obstructed, Hardy escalated his behaviours to find alternative avenues. Understanding these aspects is crucial for comprehending and effectively combating cybercrime.

Impact on Victims:

The documentary “Can I Tell You a Secret?” sheds light on the profound impact of cyberstalking, including anxiety, fear, and significant life disruptions experienced by victims. Real-life accounts reveal how cyberstalking leads to increased levels of anxiety and fear among victims, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. Victims often live in constant fear of their stalker’s actions, leading to heightened stress levels and a sense of vulnerability. Additionally, cyberstalking can have long-term consequences on victims’ lives, including disruptions to relationships, work, and daily activities, as they struggle to cope with the trauma inflicted upon them.

At The Cyber Helpline, 85% of cyberstalking and online harassment victims that sought our support have reported feeling less physically safe, and reported feeling their lives were shattered and careers jeopardised.

The Delay of Justice:

The prolonged duration in achieving justice for the victims in the Matthew Hardy case can be attributed to two factors:

• A widespread lack of understanding of stalking, coupled with victim blaming. This hindered the reporting and intervention processes.
• The failure to connect multiple cases of cyberstalking against Hardy. This resulted in a fragmented understanding of the extent of his activities.

Understanding these factors is crucial in developing strategies to address and rectify the shortcomings in the justice system, ensuring a more responsive and supportive environment for victims of cyberstalking.

Hardy’s consistent use of the same fake phone numbers and non-technical methods underscored a lack of sophistication in his approach. But regardless, he taunted the victims, asserting that law enforcement would be ineffective. This showcased his confidence in the system’s inefficiencies.

In the face of police indifference, a victim’s initiative played a pivotal role in the investigation: feeling unheard and neglected by law enforcement, she took matters into her own hands. She meticulously created an evidence log of approximately 500 pages, providing a comprehensive overview of Hardy’s actions. This proactive approach underscored the gaps in the investigative process. This evidence was quintessential for the police to be able to make a case and eventually to the arrest.

In learning from the Matthew Hardy case, these lessons serve as a roadmap for fostering a safer digital landscape, ensuring justice for victims, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Online Abuse and Minimisation of Victims:

In the aftermath of cyberstalking cases like Matthew Hardy’s, it is paramount to address the disturbing reality of online abuse and the minimisation faced by victims who courageously share their stories (Gina Martin covers it exceptionally on her Instagram here). 

Speaking out against such experiences requires immense bravery, yet it often opens victims to a torrent of online attacks and attempts to downplay the severity of their ordeals. It is crucial for society to recognise the toll this additional layer of abuse takes on survivors. To confront this issue head-on, The Cyber Helpline is committed to fostering an open dialogue and providing unwavering support to those who have faced not only the digital nightmare of cyberstalking but also the unfortunate aftermath of online abuse. 

Together, we can create a space where victims are heard, believed, and empowered to reclaim control over their narratives.