Key facts
- Cybercriminals are hacking into online accounts to steal intimate pictures and videos.
- The FBI warns that these attacks are increasingly targeting young boys.
- Attackers use social engineering, brute-force password attacks, and phishing to compromise accounts.
- Victims often face extortion or have their stolen content published online.
- The FBI advises using unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and being wary of unsolicited contact from social media companies.
The FBI has issued a public warning regarding a surge in cybercriminals hacking into online accounts, including those of adults and children, to steal intimate images and videos. These perpetrators frequently employ social engineering tactics, such as impersonating customer service representatives or using phishing emails with fake login pages, to gain unauthorized access. They also utilize brute-force methods with leaked or reused passwords. The stolen content is often used for extortion, or published online, leading to further victimization through harassment, stalking, or the advertising of the content on the victim's own social media. Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security, noted that these attacks disproportionately affect young boys and represent a significant public health issue, with some victims experiencing self-harm. The FBI advises individuals to protect themselves by using unique passwords stored in a password manager, enabling multi-factor authentication, and exercising caution with unsolicited communications from social media companies, as these firms typically do not reach out to customers in this manner. Storing sensitive images in online accounts is also discouraged.