Sextortion is a form of cyberblackmail where criminals threaten to publish intimate photos or videos of a victim unless their demands are met. This often involves extortion for money or additional content.

How can I protect my accounts from hacking?

Use strong passwords unrelated to personal information and enable multi-factor authentication. Avoid storing intimate materials in cloud services or social media, and ignore suspicious messages requesting verification codes.

What should I do if I become a victim of sextortion?

Immediately cease communication with the criminals and contact law enforcement. Do not comply with their demands, as this may worsen the situation.

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Security

FBI: Hackers Steal Intimate Photos from Social Media for Blackmail

August 12, 2026

Photo: BleepingComputer

Quick answer

The FBI has recorded a surge in cyberattacks on user accounts aimed at stealing intimate photos and videos for blackmail, sale on the dark web, or coercion of victims.

The FBI has warned of a rise in cyberattacks aimed at stealing intimate photos and videos from user accounts on social media and other online services. Criminals use the stolen content for blackmail, sale on criminal marketplaces, or distribution of victims' personal data among other offenders.

Of particular concern is that victims include not only adults but also children. Criminals may demand money or additional materials under the threat of publishing already stolen content. In some cases, victims' personal data, including names, birth dates, and contact details, is shared with other criminals for further coercion.

The FBI and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have also reported targeted attacks on student-athlete accounts. Criminals send phishing messages requesting verification codes or password reset links. Experts emphasize that legitimate services never ask users for such information.

To protect yourself, use strong passwords unrelated to personal information and enable multi-factor authentication. Avoid storing intimate materials on social media or cloud services. If threatened, immediately contact law enforcement.

Common questions

What is sextortion?: Sextortion is a form of cyberblackmail where criminals threaten to publish intimate photos or videos of a victim unless their demands are met. This often involves extortion for money or additional content.
How can I protect my accounts from hacking?: Use strong passwords unrelated to personal information and enable multi-factor authentication. Avoid storing intimate materials in cloud services or social media, and ignore suspicious messages requesting verification codes.
What should I do if I become a victim of sextortion?: Immediately cease communication with the criminals and contact law enforcement. Do not comply with their demands, as this may worsen the situation.

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