The IC3 website reports nearly 1M complaints regarding Internet crime yearly, and these figures have doubled between 2019 and 2020. Phishing attacks, ransomware targets, sextortion, and online blackmail are among the most commonly referred to as cybercrimes. Cybersecurity is a growing concern not only in the US but all around the world. In this guide, we shine a light on how you can stop online blackmail. Learn how to respond to such incidents and report them safely.
The Most Common Types of Online Blackmail
Are you being targeted by blackmailers on the Internet? Take care of your privacy and report blackmail online now to safeguard your persona and take back control. Still, there is one vital thing to do before reaching out for expert assistance. Explore the most prevalent kinds of online blackmail, since knowing what type of cybercrime you are dealing with will help you get the support you need.
Here are the four horsemen of online blackmail—the most common types of this hateful and vicious digital crime:
1. Sextortion
Sextortion involves intimidating people by indicating that their sexual images, videos, or messages will be shared online if they do not reply to the demands of the criminal. This form of online extortion frequently occurs on dating apps, social media platforms, and messaging services.
Online sextortionists acquire explicit content through several methods:
- Infiltrating personal devices (such as mobile phones) or cloud services.
- Engaging in catfishing—impersonating another person to deceive victims into providing explicit content.
- Hijacking webcams using malicious software.
Throughout just one year of 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) was informed of 26,718 instances of financial sextortion, a rise from 10,731 cases reported in 2022. However, the actual number of sextortion attempts can be a couple of times higher, since only a portion of victims decide to actually report online blackmail to the appropriate authorities.
2. Financial Extortion
Cybercriminals refer to online blackmail strategies, demanding payments to stop leaking confidential financial data, such as bank account credentials, transaction history, and other banking information.
Anyone can fall victim to financial extortion: major corporations, small startups, freelancers, and private individuals. The danger of public exposure or selling such data generates significant anxiety, pushing victims to think about settling the ransom.
This type of online blackmail can have a diverse influence on victims. Extortion interrupts business activities, harms reputations, and results in considerable economic losses if the victim agrees to the terms.
3. Corporate Blackmail
In their attempts to extort businesses, cybercriminals take advantage of compromised corporate data as well. This can lead to the leaking of customer credentials, confidential business information, and internal files. To stop the reveal of such data, perpetrators demand a ransom. In other cases, they threaten companies to inflict serious harm on the organization’s reputation.
This crime can damage customer confidence, which is a vital key for any business. The possibility of sharing data can result in financial obstructions, legal issues, and a considerable weakness against competitors.
The emotional toll on workers? It can be very significant, producing a feeling of anxiety and hesitation. Thus, employing robust cybersecurity techniques and all-inclusive data protection strategies is critical to reducing the chances of such destructive occurrences.
4. Blackmail on Social Media
Today’s cybercriminals refer to blackmail on social media more and more often. Social networks allow easy access to personal data, which then can be exploited in coercion with the potential release of personal content, private communications, or confidential business data.
This form of online extortion places both individuals and organizations in a vulnerable situation, asking for payment to regain access to their accounts or to ensure the confidentiality of their information. The possibility of facing public disgrace or causing disturbances in business generates significant stress.
How to Prevent Online Blackmail from Happening?
Although cyber offenders employ sophisticated strategies, you can greatly lessen your vulnerability by adhering to these top cybersecurity guidelines:
- Enhance Your Internet Safety.
Utilize robust and distinct passwords for each of your accounts. Activate two-step verification on your social media, email, and financial platforms. Steer clear of clicking on questionable links or downloading unfamiliar files.
- Exercise Care with Personal Information.
Refrain from posting private images, clips, or files on the internet. Shield your camera when it is not actively in use to stop any unwanted capturing. Utilize privacy features on social networking platforms to manage who has access to your material.
- Maintain Updated Software and Devices.
Consistently update your operating system, applications, and antivirus programs to safeguard against malicious software. Apply security updates as soon as they are released.
- Identify and Steer Clear of Phishing Schemes.
Approach emails that appear urgent or menacing, calling for quick responses, with caution. Confirm the identity of the individual sending the message prior to disclosing any confidential details. Be on the lookout for indicators of fraudulent websites, including typos or odd web addresses.
- Safeguard Your Online Accounts.
Update your passwords frequently and refrain from using previous ones again. Utilize a password management tool to safely keep your login information. Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious actions.
How to Stop Online Blackmail Once You Are Targeted
In the event that you fall prey to online blackmail, acting swiftly can safeguard your data and avert additional damage. Follow these steps below to stop the malice from spreading and have a further impact on your life:
- Refrain from Engaging the Blackmailer. Disregard ultimatums and intimidation—engaging can lead to additional manipulation, and do not give in to ransom demands—there is no assurance that the extorter will cease after obtaining the funds.
- Gather Evidence. Capture images of texts, emails, and any threats received, store all relevant information of the extortionist, and document every conversation for law enforcement purposes.
- Immediately Enhance Your Security. Update passwords for accounts that have been breached, activate two-factor authentication if it was not previously set up, and check your devices for malicious software to eliminate any tracking programs.
- Report Online Blackmail. Get professional assistance from cybersecurity specialists dealing with digital forensics, and allow them to guide you through the process of reporting blackmail to your local law enforcement agencies or international cybercrime authorities.
The Future of Online Blackmail
As technology progresses, the strategies employed by cybercriminals also advance. Cybersecurity analysts forecast an increase in AI-driven extortion schemes, including deepfake videos used for coercion. Phishing attacks will also get more sophisticated with the extended use of Large Language Models and Machine Learning capabilities. We are also very likely to observe a growing trend in anti-blackmail technologies and digital security defenses implemented by governments and businesses.
Report Online Blackmail and Stay Safe Online!
The rise of online blackmail is an increasing risk. Nevertheless, with the appropriate safety measures and knowledge, you can safeguard yourself against this digital coercion. By enhancing cybersecurity protocols, notifying authorities, and raising awareness, we can collectively prevent cybercriminals from preying on victims in the digital space. Report online blackmail to digital security specialists and ensure your safety!