Could you fall victim to sextortion? SLCERT shares ways to stay safe

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to adopt stronger online safety practices to protect themselves and their families from sextortion, a growing form of cyber‑enabled abuse.

Sextortion occurs when perpetrators threaten to release intimate images or videos unless victims comply with demands, often for money, more images, or sexual activity. 

According to SLCERT, such crimes can affect adults, teenagers, and children, and frequently begin on social media, messaging apps, dating platforms, or online games. Offenders may pose as romantic interests or peers to gain trust before exploiting victims.

In a statement, SLCERT explained that sextortion typically follows a pattern:

• Initial contact by the perpetrator.
• Trust building through ongoing conversation.
• Obtaining intimate material.
• Threats begin once content is secured.
• Demands continue, escalating pressure on the victim.

SLCERT stressed that victims are not to blame and should treat sextortion as a crime. 

The agency advises preserving evidence before blocking perpetrators, stopping all engagement once threats begin, and seeking help immediately.

To reduce risks, SLCERT recommends several preventive habits:

• Be cautious with public sharing of personal information.
• Avoid trusting strangers online.
• Remember photos aren’t proof of identity.
• Stop conversations that move platforms.
• Think carefully before sharing intimate material.
• Know how to block and report accounts.

With the rise of AI‑generated deepfake images, SLCERT warns that perpetrators may also fabricate explicit content to intimidate victims.

SLCERT added that vigilance, awareness, and timely reporting are key to combating sextortion. (Newswire)

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