Your FAQ's Answered

Persuasive Insight offers comprehensive intelligence, business analysis and security services, including 

• risk management,
• threat assessments,
• geopolitical influence analysis,
• compliance and due diligence,
• corporate investigations,
• stakeholder charting,
• big data analysis,
• business resilience, and
• special projects.

These services draw on advanced methodologies to address multifaceted risks, such as operational disruptions, regulatory challenges, and strategic uncertainties, providing organisations with bespoke intelligence solutions that enhance decision-making and long-term stability.

Persuasive Insight employs cutting-edge technology for real-time risk analysis, delivering forward-looking, intelligence-led insights that empower leaders to take informed decisions. 

This proactive methodology anticipates uncertainties—ranging from geopolitical shifts to supply chain vulnerabilities—enabling organisations to sidestep financial losses and build sustainable resilience through continuous monitoring and scenario planning.

Threat Assessments systematically uncover actions or actors which impact on risks to operations, assets, and reputation. This is achieved by tracking both internal and external information including geopolitical events, reputational concerns and security threats.

They benefit organisations by furnishing actionable, customised insights matched to specific risk profiles, facilitate the deployment of targeted controls, diminish vulnerabilities and safeguard against both immediate and emerging risks.

Yes, Persuasive Insight’s Geo-Political Influence Analysis service scrutinises geopolitical factors and trends to assess their implications for business operations, strategy, and exposure to sanctioned entities. 

This includes in-depth evaluations of regional dynamics, policy shifts, and international relations, equipping clients with foresight to adjust strategies and mitigate cross-border risks effectively.

Imagine unknowingly having a customer, supplier or agent breach laws on your behalf. You are responsible and face significant fines, penalties and prison.

Compliance & Due Diligence is is a check and balance process essential for organisations wishing to maintain compliance with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK's Bribery Act, and International Anti Money-Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing AML/CTF and Know Your Customer (KYC) principals and standards.

This service encompasses rigorous checks and investigations to verify adherence to regulatory requirements and ethical standards. Persuasive Insight examines potential business partners, suppliers, and stakeholders for red flags such as financial irregularities or reputational issues, thereby averting legal penalties, partnership failures, and broader compliance breaches. 

The process is rigerous but the savings are enormous.

With expert investigators from police and law enforcement bodies, Persuasive Insight conducts corporate investigations into misconduct, fraud, and illicit activities, employing data analysis, forensic techniques, and open-source intelligence to assist in getting the truth. 

These efforts yield detailed evidence and comprehensive reports that promote ethical governance, strengthen supply chain integrity, and support legal or internal remedial actions.

Some of the many successes we have achieved include:

• Human Rights violations in the supply chain
• Corruption and bribery international operations
• Taproot investigations for HSE incidents
• Employee misconduct in the health sector
• Fraud, misappropriation and stealing
• Missing Persons
• Skip tracing and asset tracing

Stakeholder Charting involves mapping and analysing influential stakeholders linked to particular issues or projects, identifying their interests, influence levels, motivations and interconnections. 

It benefits organisations by facilitating strategic decision-making and relationship management, allowing for precise engagement strategies that maximise support and minimise opposition.

Persuasive Insight can analyse incredibly complex dynamics and inter-relationships as demonstrted by this example chart

Yes, Persuasive Insight’s Data Analysis service processes extensive datasets using sophisticated analytical tools to derive meaningful insights. Complex data is interpreted, simplified, and visualised to underpin data-driven decisions, aiding organisations in identifying patterns, forecasting trends, and optimising resource allocation.

We achieve outcomes and present data like no other service provider. 

Recently we processed 14,000,000 lines of text and extracted AND linked over 490,000,000 datapoints graphically for analysis with sophisticated intelligence toolsets.

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Business Resilience comprises preparing, testing, and refining an organisation’s capacity to withstand crises, informed by extensive crisis management expertise.

Persuasive Insight simulates scenarios including supply chain interruptions, natural disasters, power outages, cyber incidents, and industrial disputes, ensuring robust continuity plans and rapid recovery mechanisms.

Persuasive Insight manages special projects by delivering reliable, professional solutions tailored to precise client needs, such as asset tracking, activism monitoring, or responses to environmental, social, and industrial actions. 

The approach integrates intelligence gathering, investigative rigour, and strategic advisory to resolve complex, time-sensitive challenges. With experience in 35 countries, we have it covered.

Persuasive Insight serves military, government, corporate, and philanthropic sectors, adapting its intelligence and security offerings to the distinct demands of each. 

This encompasses high-stakes environments requiring rapid threat response, regulatory navigation, and strategic foresight across domestic and international operations.

Persuasive Insight upholds confidentiality through stringent protocols, including secure data handling, encrypted communications, and restricted access controls.

These measures protect sensitive client information throughout engagements, fostering trust in even the most confidential intelligence operations.

See our code of conduct and core values here

Yes, Persuasive Insight’s business resilience expertise extends to crisis management, incorporating development of organisations crisis management plans, preparation exercises and war-gaming for unforeseen events like supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and industrial actions. This equips organisations with tested protocols for swift, effective responses and minimal disruption.

Persuasive Insight maintains vigilance over emerging threats via a comprehensive monitoring and assessment system, which tracks geopolitical events, regional conflicts, and security developments in real time. This delivers proactive insights and tailored mitigation strategies, keeping clients ahead of evolving risks.

Persuasive Insight distinguishes itself through a dedication to uncovering the unknown and responding adeptly, under the leadership of industry expert Damien Inglis and a global team boasting over three decades of intelligence experience. This combination yields versatile, client-centric services that surpass standard offerings in depth and adaptability.

Coupled to the latest intelligence toolsets and expertise in designing, developing and managing global intelligence data systems, Persuasive Insight is the foremost supplier of timely and relevant information solutions.

The timeframe for a risk assessment depends on project complexity, scope, and data availability, yet Persuasive Insight prioritises efficiency to furnish timely, high-quality insights. Clients receive progress updates, ensuring alignment with critical deadlines and operational needs.

Yes, Persuasive Insight delivers ongoing support via continuous monitoring, regular assessments, and bespoke projects, adapting to clients’ changing intelligence and security demands. This long-term partnership ensures sustained vigilance and strategic evolution.

The process begins with contacting the team to discuss requirements, followed by a detailed scoping consultation. Persuasive Insight then crafts a tailored proposal outlining methodology, timelines, and deliverables, guiding clients seamlessly towards project commencement.

In special projects, Persuasive Insight tackles environmental, social, or industrial actions using intelligence expertise to monitor developments, assess impacts, and formulate strategic recommendations. This includes stakeholder analysis and risk forecasting to neutralise threats and capitalise on opportunities.

Yes, Persuasive Insight is equipped for international projects and collaborations, leveraging its global team to address intelligence and security issues across borders. This capability ensures seamless support for multinational operations, regardless of location or jurisdictional complexities.

Contact us now, and lets discuss your uniques needs and consider options in how we can best help you.

Online Stalking vs. Cyberbullying: Key Differences

While both cause significant harm, understanding the difference between cyberstalking and cyberbullying helps determine appropriate responses:

Both forms of digital harassment require serious intervention, but cyberstalking typically involves greater personal danger and requires different safety planning approaches.

Cyberstalking is a pattern of repeated online behaviour intended to harass, threaten, or monitor someone, causing them to feel afraid or distressed. This includes excessive unwanted contact, surveillance through technology, posting harmful content, and using stalkerware. A single unpleasant message isn't cyberstalking, but persistent conduct across multiple instances is.

Under Australian law, cyberstalking involves conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or experience significant distress. The behaviour must be intentional or reckless, meaning the stalker knows or should know their actions are unwanted.

Examples of cyberstalking include: - Sending dozens of messages daily despite requests to stop - Installing tracking software on someone's phone - Creating multiple fake accounts to monitor or contact someone - Repeatedly posting defamatory content about someone online - Using GPS trackers to monitor someone's location - Accessing someone's accounts without permission

Trust your instincts.

If something feels wrong, it probably is. Many victims initially dismiss warning signs or blame themselves. Common signs include:

• Your ex-partner knows details about your activities they shouldn't
• Friends mention receiving strange messages about you
• Your phone behaves unusually or battery drains quickly
• Accounts being accessed from unknown locations
• You've been locked out of accounts unexpectedly
• Someone references private conversations you've had
• You feel constantly watched or monitored

If multiple warning signs are present, seek professional assessment from services like Persuasive Insight.

Occasionally viewing public social media isn't stalking. However, obsessive monitoring, creating fake accounts to view private content, screenshotting everything, or using information gathered to contact or intimidate someone crosses into stalking behaviour. The key factors are pattern, intent, and impact.

The line between curiosity and stalking

If your monitoring of someone else feels obsessive, compulsive, or is driving you to make contact despite their wishes, it's time to examine your behaviour and potentially seek professional help.

Yes. In Australia, cyberstalking can result in up to 5 years imprisonment depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances. Using a carriage service to menace or harass carries federal penalties of up to 3 years. Domestic violence-related cyberstalking often attracts more serious consequences.

Penalties by jurisdiction

Aggravating factors that increase penalties include:

• Domestic violence context
• Prior stalking convictions
• Breaching an existing protection order
• Threats involving weapons
• Stalking that escalates to physical violence

Reporting cyberstalking requires preparation and documentation. There are multiple pathways depending on your situation and immediate safety needs.

Step 1: Prepare Your Report

Before contacting authorities, gather: - Chronological timeline of stalking incidents - Screenshots and evidence files - List of all platforms/methods the stalker has used - Details of any witnesses - Information about your relationship to the stalker - Description of how the stalking has affected you

Step 2: Choose Your Reporting Pathway

Police Report

1. Visit your local police station or call the non-emergency line
2. Request to speak with a domestic violence liaison officer or cybercrime specialist
3. Explain you're reporting cyberstalking/technology-facilitated abuse
4. Provide your evidence documentation
5. Request an event number for your records 

Ask about protection order options

eSafety Commissioner

For serious online harassment, you can report to Australia's eSafety Commissioner:

1. Visit esafety.gov.au
2. Complete the adult cyber abuse complaint form
3. Provide evidence and details - eSafety can issue removal notices and work with platforms

Platform Reporting

Report harassment directly to social media platforms:

• Facebook/Instagram: Report through the app's safety features
• Twitter/X: Use the report function for harassment
• TikTok: Report account and content
• LinkedIn: Report inappropriate behaviour

Step 3: Follow Up

1. Keep records of all report reference numbers
2. Follow up if you don't hear back within stated timeframes
3. Report any escalation immediately
4. Consider seeking support for the reporting process

Need help reporting? Persuasive Insight can guide you through the reporting process and help prepare your evidence documentation.

Strong evidence is crucial for successful police reports, protection orders, and potential prosecution. Courts require proof that demonstrates the pattern of behaviour and its impact on you.

Essential Evidence Types

• Digital Communications
• Screenshots of all harassing messages (texts, emails, DMs)
• Include visible timestamps, sender information, and full conversation context
• Save emails with full headers (shows origin information)
• Export chat logs where possible
• Record voicemails and save audio files

Account Access Evidence

• Login notification emails showing unfamiliar access
• Screenshots of account activity logs
• Evidence of password changes you didn't make
• Records of messages sent from your accounts without your knowledge

Location Tracking Evidence

• Screenshots of shared location settings you didn't enable
• Photos of physical GPS trackers found
• Evidence the stalker knew your location when they shouldn't
• App data showing tracking software installed

Social Media Evidence

• Screenshots of fake profiles impersonating you
• Evidence of harassment campaigns
• Posts or comments threatening or defaming you
• Records of accounts created to circumvent blocks

Third-Party Evidence

• Witness statements from people who've observed the behaviour
• Messages the stalker sent to your friends, family, or employer
• Records of deliveries or contact at your workplace

Evidence Collection Best Practices

Evidence Log Template

Create a spreadsheet or document with these columns:

• Date and time of incident
• Platform or method used
• Description of what occurred
• Evidence saved (filename and location)
• Witnesses (if any)
• Your emotional/physical response
• Any action taken

Need help collecting evidence safely? Contact Persuasive Insight to see how we can best advise on evidence collection

Protecting yourself from online stalkers requires a multi-layered approach addressing device security, account protection, personal information management, and safety planning.

Immediate Protection Steps

1. Secure Your Devices

Update all operating systems and applications immediately - Enable automatic updates to patch security vulnerabilities - Use strong, unique PINs and passwords (avoid birthdates or obvious numbers) - Enable biometric security (fingerprint, face recognition) where available - Review all installed applications and remove anything unfamiliar - Disable Bluetooth and WiFi when not in use - Consider professional device assessment from Persuasive Insight

2. Lock Down Accounts

Change passwords on all accounts to strong, unique passphrases - Enable two-factor authentication everywhere (use authenticator apps, not SMS) - Review and revoke access for connected apps and devices - Check account recovery options (remove the stalker's email or phone) - Review active sessions and log out of unfamiliar devices - Use a password manager to maintain unique passwords

3. Protect Your Location

Disable location services for all non-essential apps - Turn off location sharing on all platforms - Check for shared access on Find My iPhone/Find My Device - Remove location data from photos before posting - Physically inspect belongings and vehicle for GPS trackers - Enable unknown tracker alerts on your phone (iPhone and Android both offer this)

4. Manage Your Digital Footprint

Google yourself to see what information is publicly available - Request removal of personal information from data broker sites - Remove or privatise old social media accounts - Disable public visibility of friend lists and followers - Avoid posting real-time location updates - Use privacy-focused browsers and search engines

5. Secure Communications

Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal for sensitive conversations - Create new email accounts unknown to the stalker for important communications - Avoid clicking links in suspicious messages - Verify requests for information even if they appear to come from trusted sources - Consider using a VPN to mask your IP address and location

6. Physical Security Measures

Vary your routine and travel routes - Be aware of your surroundings - Inform trusted people of your whereabouts - Have emergency contacts readily accessible - Consider safety apps with emergency alert features

7. Create a Safety Plan

Identify trusted contacts who can help in emergencies - Establish code words that signal you need help - Prepare for various scenarios (the stalker finding your location, escalation) - Keep important documents in a secure location - Have emergency funds accessible - Know the numbers for emergency services and support organisations

Ongoing Protection

Want comprehensive protection? Persuasive Insight provides device assessment, account security review, and social media footprint security assessments tailored to your situation.

Several applications can help detect stalkerware and spyware on your devices, though professional assessment is recommended for comprehensive security.

Android Stalkerware Detection Apps

iPhone Stalkerware Detection

iPhones are generally more secure than Android devices, but they're not immune. Detection options include:

Computer Stalkerware Detection:

Important Warnings About Stalkerware Detection

⚠️ Do NOT immediately remove stalkerware if detected.

If you discover surveillance software:

1. Your stalker may be alerted if the software is removed or stops transmitting
2. Evidence may be lost that could support legal action
3. The stalker may escalate if they realise you've discovered their surveillance
4. Seek professional help first – Services like Persuasive Insight can advise on safe removal

Limitations of Detection Apps:

• Some stalkerware is designed to evade common detection tools
• New stalkerware variants may not be in detection databases
• Legitimate apps misused for stalking may not be flagged
• Built-in phone features (Find My, Google Family Link) won't be detected as stalkerware
• Professional-grade surveillance tools are extremely difficult to detect

Manual Detection Methods:

Sometimes manual checking reveals what applications can miss:

On Android: - Settings > Applications > Show system apps (look for unfamiliar names) - Settings > Security > Device admin - Check data usage for unusual activity - Review accessibility service permissions - Check battery usage for unknown applications consuming power

On iPhone: - Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management - Settings > Privacy > Location Services (review all applications) - Review all installed programs including folders - Check Screen Time settings weren't enabled without your knowledge - Look for unfamiliar Apple IDs signed in

Want thorough detection? Persuasive Insight's services go beyond what apps can detect and provide a comprehensive assessment of your device security.

Does blocking stop a cyberstalker?

Short answer: Usually not. 

While blocking can reduce direct contact, it rarely stops a determined cyberstalker and should be just one part of a comprehensive safety strategy.

What Blocking Does:

• Prevents direct messages from that specific account
• Removes your content from their feed
• Stops them tagging you or commenting on your posts
• May provide temporary relief

What Blocking Doesn't Do:

• Stop them creating new accounts
• Prevent viewing of public content
• Remove their access to mutual friends' posts about you
• Address stalkerware or surveillance tools already installed
• Stop them contacting you through other platforms or methods
• Guarantee they won't escalate

How Stalkers Circumvent Blocks

Should You Block?

This is a personal decision that depends on your situation:

Arguments for blocking

• Reduces your exposure to distressing content
• Creates clear documentation that contact is unwanted
• Provides some barrier to direct harassment
• May be required before police action

Arguments against immediate blocking

• Can escalate behaviour in some stalkers
• May drive them to methods that are harder to track
• Could lose visibility of their plans or state of mind
• Might remove evidence before documentation

Best Practice Approach

• Document first – Screenshot recent harassment before blocking
• Assess the stalker – Consider their likely response
• Create safety measures – Have plans in place for escalation
• Block systematically – Address all platforms and methods
• Monitor for new accounts – Set up Google alerts for your name
• Report to platforms – Blocking alone doesn't stop account creation
• Seek professional guidance – Persuasive Insight can advise on your specific situation

Beyond Blocking:

Comprehensive protection requires

• Device security assessment
• Account security hardening
• Privacy setting optimisation
• Stalkerware detection
• Evidence preservation
• Safety planning
• Support services engagement

Need a comprehensive strategy? Persuasive Insight develops personalised safety plans that go beyond blocking to address all aspects of your digital security.

When to Call Each Service

Emergency Services

National Support Services

State-Based Domestic Violence Services

Technology Safety Specialists

Legal Support

Save this information securely. 

Consider memorising key numbers or storing them under inconspicuous names in your phone if your stalker may access your contact list.

Understanding how police investigate cyberstalking can help you prepare a strong report and have realistic expectations about the process.

Initial Report Stage

When you first report cyberstalking, police will:

• Record your statement – Document all details of the stalking behaviour
• Assess immediate risk – Determine if you're in immediate danger
• Review evidence – Examine documentation you've provided
• Assign event number – Provide reference for your records
• Determine jurisdiction – Identify which laws apply
• Consider protective orders – Advise on AVOs or intervention orders

Investigation Process

Evidence Collection: 

• Preserve digital evidence from your devices
• Request records from social media platforms and service providers
• Obtain telecommunications data (may require warrants)
• Interview witnesses
• Document pattern of behaviour
• Analyse metadata from messages and images

Technical Investigation

Police cybercrime units may:

• Trace IP addresses and account origins
• Recover deleted communications
• Identify fake account creators
• Extract data from seized devices
• Work with platforms to identify users
• Use digital forensics tools

Legal Process

• Issue information requests to platforms
• Obtain warrants for telecommunications data
• Request subpoenas for account information
• Work with interstate or international law enforcement if needed

Challenges in Investigation

Timeline Expectations

• Simple cases with clear evidence: Weeks to months
• Complex cases requiring platform cooperation: Months
• Cases requiring international cooperation: Months to years
• Urgent cases with immediate danger: Prioritised response

How to Support the Investigation

Before Reporting:

• Compile comprehensive evidence documentation
• Create clear chronological timeline
• Identify all platforms and methods used
• Gather witness information
• Document the impact on your life

During Investigation:

• Respond promptly to police requests
• Continue documenting any new incidents
• Report any escalation immediately
• Don't contact the stalker
• Keep copies of all evidence you provide

What Police Need from You:

If Investigation Stalls

If you feel your case isn't progressing:

• Request updates – Ask for status reports
• Escalate – Speak to a supervisor
• Seek advocacy – Contact victim support services
• Pursue civil options – Consult a lawyer about civil remedies
• Report to oversight bodies – Police complaints commissions
• Contact your MP – For systemic issues

Concurrent Actions

While police investigate, you can also:

• Apply for a protection order (doesn't require criminal prosecution)
• Report to eSafety Commissioner
• Report to social media platforms
• Pursue civil legal action
• Continue safety planning

Need help navigating the investigation process? Persuasive Insight supports clients through police reporting and can help prepare evidence packages that assist investigations.

Digital stalking - also called technology-facilitated abuse involves using computers, smartphones, or other devices to monitor, harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. 

This can include tracking your location via apps, hacking accounts, or sending repeated messages online. 

In Australia 98% of domestic violence involves digital technology.

Our Guide: Cyberstalking in Australia: What You Need to Know and How to Take Back Control

You might be digitally stalked if someone monitors your messages, social media, emails, or physical location without consent, or repeatedly contacts you online in distressing ways.

Examples: How to know if you are being monitored

Yes, technology-facilitated abuse, including digital stalking, is recognised as a serious form of domestic and family violence under Australian law.

Persuasive Insight provides confidential support, digital safety education, and no-nonsense help. No software to purchase, no technical knowledge needed. We help you identify signs of tech-based abuse, secure your devices, and document evidence for legal support.

Our Services: How Persuasive Insight Helps You

• Avoid deleting evidence.
• Change passwords from a safe device.
• Update privacy settings on social media.
• Document and screenshot suspicious activities.
• Contact us for specialised help.

Our guide: Top 10 Cyber Safety Tips

Yes. In Australia, digital stalking is a criminal offence and can be reported to local police, and harmful content can be reported to the eSafety Commissioner who has the power to issue removal notices and investigate online abuse.

We offer personalised consultations, practical steps, and checklists to help you secure your phone and computer, remove potential stalkerware, and activate best practice privacy settings. 

Our Services: How Persuasive Insight Helps You

Keep detailed records: screenshotsof messages, logs of contact, and evidence of account breaches. Persuasive Insight will help you organise evidence to ensure its admissible if you report to police or the eSafety Commissioner.

Yes. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) and the Disability Gateway provide support for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Persuasive Insight works in partnership with these services to make help accessible to everyone.

Common forms include: 

• Tracking someone’s location using GPS devices or apps.
• Installing spyware on phones or computers to monitor activities.
• Accessing social media accounts or emails without permission.
• Sending repeated, unwanted digital messages or threats.
• Publishing or threatening to publish private images or information (image-based abuse or doxxing).
• Using smart devices and hidden cameras to surveil victims in their homes or cars

Warning signs your phone might have spyware or malware is noticing unusual behaviour like;

• Battery drains faster than previously
• Overheats or is hot without use
• Slow or unresponsive
• Strange apps appear
• Settings you didn't change
• Unusually high data usage
• Unknown or strange messages
• Frequent error messages
• Partner knows too much, or shows up unannounced

Australian workplaces are required by law to provide a safe environment. Protections may include: 

• Policies on cyberbullying, harassment, and digital abuse.
• Procedures for reporting stalking and online threats at work.
• Access to counselling and employee assistance programs.
• Support for making police reports and adjusting work arrangements for safety. 

Workplaces should act promptly to investigate and address any reports of cyber abuse against staff.

When to Call Each Service

National Support Services

Legal Support