The FBI is warning that cybercriminals are targeting the online accounts of both adults and children to steal intimate photos and videos, which can then be used for harassment, extortion or other attacks.
According to the FBI, attackers are largely using social engineering tactics to gain access to victims’ social media accounts. Once they obtain private images or videos, criminals may threaten victims with exposure or publish the stolen content online.
The FBI said victims can face further harassment after their accounts or private content are compromised. This can include sextortion, stalking, targeted attacks and even attempts to advertise stolen material through the victim’s own social media account.
These types of crimes have been reported for years, but Rachel Tobac, a security awareness expert and CEO of SocialProof Security, said the FBI’s latest public warning could indicate that such incidents are becoming more common. She said young boys are among those particularly targeted and described the problem as a major public health issue because some victims have been driven to self-harm following these attacks.
The FBI has also warned that student-athletes are frequently targeted because their public profiles can make them easier for criminals to identify and contact.
Attackers use several methods to compromise accounts. The FBI said some criminals attempt to break into accounts using leaked or previously used passwords, while others impersonate customer service representatives from Instagram and other social media platforms.
In some cases, attackers contact victims while pretending to help recover their accounts. They may also send phishing emails containing links to fake social media login pages hosted on domains designed to look legitimate.
The FBI recommends using unique passwords for online accounts and storing them with a password manager. Users should also enable multi-factor authentication and be cautious when someone unexpectedly contacts them claiming to work for a social media company.
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The bureau also advises people to avoid storing intimate photos and videos in online accounts.
