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<ul><li>Sextortion is a type of cybercrime that involves blackmailing someone by threatening to expose sexually explicit images or videos of them.</li><li><keyword id="1545623" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="catfishing" source="Orion">Catfishing</keyword> and WhatsApp video calls are some common sextortion techniques.</li><li>Below, read about how you can defend yourself against sextortion.</li></ul>Aakash Karuturi (name changed), a 27-year-old Hyderabad resident, is an IT professional who works with a bank. As he was surfing through a matrimonial website, a prospect became friendly soon and requested a video call. Minutes into it, she started undressing – and a few minutes after the call ended, her video and his reaction to it was captured in a recording, and the subject threatened to send it to his friends and family on Facebook. His only option was to pay ₹5,000 to a UPI account. Instead of being extorted, Karuturi walked into a police station close by, who tried to trace the number – which went to a jungle in Rajasthan. The number itself was unregistered. Moreover, the policeman also pointed out that the girl’s video was never live and had simply played out a recording. “You should keep all your social media profiles locked,” the policeman warned and sent him to the cyber crime cell in the city. There, Karuturi was shocked to see at least 10-15 young men who were cheated in the same modus operandi, and most of the victims had also paid exorbitant amounts to their blackmailers, who only came back for more. This crime — called sextortion, is becoming more and more common as a lot of people now spend a considerable amount of time online. A lot of blackmailers bait their victims via several innovative means. The most common way is via calls where unknown users claim to have tracked the victim’s online activity, specifically visits to pornographic websites. The message also asserts that they have video evidence from webcams, or perhaps they have obtained obscene photos or videos. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is Sextortion?" comment="subhead" text="What is Sextortion?"><keyword id="12072024" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="what-is-sextortion" source="Orion">What is Sextortion</keyword>?</cmsannotation> Sextortion is a form of blackmail that involves extorting victims by threatening to release sexually explicit images or videos of them. Sextortion is a criminal act that involves blackmailing someone by threatening to expose sexually explicit images, videos, or personal information about them. Typically, the perpetrator will demand money or demand further sexual acts from the victim to prevent the release of the sexual content. They may also threaten to share the explicit material with the victim's family, friends, and colleagues or post it on pornographic websites. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Fear is the real bait" comment="subhead" text="Fear is the real bait">Fear is the real bait</cmsannotation> Sextorters are skilled at creating fear in their victims. They may use explicit images or screenshots of explicit conversations to intimidate the victim. Additionally, they may hunt the victim's social media accounts to find information about their friends and family. The goal is to make the victim believe that their reputation could be destroyed at any moment, even though the threat may not be genuine. Sextorters often use fear as a tool to manipulate their victims, even if they don't actually have any explicit videos or images of them. However, in some cases, sextorters may obtain explicit content from their victims in various ways. <ul><li>One way is through sexting, where the perpetrator engages in sexually explicit conversations with the victim and persuades them to send explicit images or videos. The perpetrator may also send stolen images or videos to the victim first to gain their trust.</li><li>Another method involves taking control of the victim's webcam without their knowledge. The perpetrator can trick the victim into downloading a malware file.</li><li>Some perpetrators use threats to coerce the victim into performing sexual acts in front of their webcam or video call. This strategy is typically employed after initial blackmail attempts to obtain further material from the victim.</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Beware of these common sextortion schemes" comment="subhead" text="Beware of these common sextortion schemes">Beware of these common sextortion schemes</cmsannotation> Below are a few common strategies that sextorters use to coerce their victims into complying with their demands. Recognising these tricks and characteristics can help you take preventative measures against sextortion. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Catfishing" comment="subhead" text="Catfishing">Catfishing</cmsannotation> Most sextortion cases are initiated by catfishing, another form of online attack. In this type of scam, the offender impersonates someone else, typically an attractive person like a gorgeous young woman, a wealthy businessman, or someone with similar interests to the victim, to appear relatable. Experienced catfishing sextorters are very cunning. They create fake social media profiles using stolen photos and well-crafted profile descriptions. After creating fake profiles, the perpetrator usually approaches several users on various social media and dating platforms by sending friend requests, liking their profiles, or dropping them a message. Once the victim responds, the sextorter engages in conversation to build trust and obtain personal information. The final step involves coercing the victim into sending sexually explicit images that the offender will use in a sextortion scheme. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="WhatsApp video call" comment="subhead" text="WhatsApp video call">WhatsApp video call</cmsannotation> Sextortion through fake WhatsApp video calls has emerged as a prevalent scam in India. In this scheme, the victim receives an unexpected video call from an unknown number, where a naked woman attempts to lure the victim into performing sexual acts. Later, the victim receives a call from the scammer who claims that a nude video of them is available on YouTube and demands a hefty amount to remove it. This has become a widespread sextortion case, preying on the fears and vulnerability of victims who may not be aware of the scam. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Facebook sextortion" comment="subhead" text="Facebook sextortion">Facebook sextortion</cmsannotation> Sextortion on Facebook is a prevalent catfishing scam, where perpetrators send friend requests or direct messages to strangers. The scammer engages the victim in conversation, gaining their trust and eventually requesting sexually explicit content. Once the victim has shared such material, the perpetrator will use it as leverage to extort money or further explicit material. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sextortion email campaigns" comment="subhead" text="Sextortion email campaigns">Sextortion email campaigns</cmsannotation> Sextorters may send scary emails to many people, trying to trick them. They might say they saw the person doing private things on their computer camera and threaten to show others if they don't pay them money. Or, they could threaten to tell everyone about adult websites the person visited. Anyone could be tricked by these emails. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sextortion by your ex or someone you know" comment="subhead" text="Sextortion by your ex or someone you know">Sextortion by your ex or someone you know</cmsannotation> We have talked mostly about strangers using sextortion to scam people, but it's also possible for someone you know to do it. For example, an ex-partner with sexual pictures or videos of you could threaten to share them if you don't do what they want. Usually, this kind of blackmail happens after a relationship ends, and it's called revenge porn. But in some cases, sextorters may use these images to pressure their partner to stay with them or provide more sexual images or acts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How to prevent sextortion" comment="subhead" text="How to prevent sextortion">How to prevent sextortion</cmsannotation> Preventing sextortion is crucial, given the severe impact and distress it causes the victims. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of sextortion. <ul><li>Share as little personal information about yourself as you can.</li><li>Utilise the privacy settings available on your social media platforms to safeguard your data. On Facebook, you can conceal specific profile details and your friend list. Similarly, review and adjust your privacy preferences on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.</li><li>Consider using a nickname when creating a profile on dating sites. This can make it challenging for individuals who engage in sextortion to locate your personal information and uncover details about your friends, family, or acquaintances.</li><li>It is advisable to always refrain from accepting friends or following requests from individuals whom you are not familiar with.</li><li>Exercise caution when dealing with links and file downloads sent by unknown individuals, and also be wary of unexpected attachments, even from people you know. It is best to only click on them with careful consideration.</li><li>It is recommended to cover your webcam when it is not in use.</li><li>File a complaint as soon as possible since it makes taking action against criminals much easier.</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What to do if you have been sextorted" comment="subhead" text="What to do if you have been sextorted">What to do if you have been sextorted</cmsannotation> Get in touch with someone close Feeling ashamed of your current situation is understandable, but confiding in someone you trust is essential. Two heads are generally better than one when it comes to generating solutions and speaking about your issues can help you feel more composed and clear-headed, assisting you in determining your next course of action. Cease all communication with the offender The mere thought of not responding to the sextortionist's messages may cause you to panic. Your mind may race with anxious thoughts, such as ‘Will they contact my family?’ or ‘Can I still message my friends?’ It's also important to ask yourself if you will endure this situation indefinitely. The answer should always be no. You have the right to be liberated from this abuse. Continuing any form of communication only keeps you under the manipulative control of your abuser. Once you cut off all contact, you can begin taking steps toward seeking justice. Don’t delete the evidence Evidence is necessary to establish the exploitation's extent, duration, and timeline. Although you may feel compelled to erase any evidence of the incident from your computer to avoid humiliation, resisting that urge and keeping everything is essential. Once legal proceedings begin, you won't have to bear the burden of shame any longer. Inform the police It's crucial to notify the police at the outset of the incident to ensure prompt legal action. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-kissangpt-the-ai-chatbot-helping-indian-farmers-maximize-their-profits/articleshow/99428621.cms">From fields to screens: KissanGPT, the AI chatbot helping Indian farmers maximize their profits</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/honda-ends-production-of-jazz-wr-v-and-city-4th-generation-cars/articleshow/99260795.cms">Honda struggles in the Indian car market with discontinuation of nine models in six years</a>

Sextortion: A looming threat to online security and how to defend against it

New Delhi, A hacker that goes by the name of <keyword id="9206309" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="shinyhunters">ShinyHunters</keyword> has now leaked data of 2.28 million users of a dating <keyword id="10649183" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="website-meetmindful">website MeetMindful</keyword> that includes real names, Facebook account tokens, email addresses and geo-location information. According to a report in ZDNet, the leaked <keyword id="14345" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Date">date</keyword> in a 1.2GB file has been shared as a free download on a publicly accessible hacking forum. "The content of this file includes a wealth of information that users provided when they set up profiles on the MeetMindful site and mobile apps," said the report citing a cyber security research on Sunday. The leaked data also includes body details, dating preferences, marital status, birth dates, IP addresses and Bcrypt-hashed account passwords. The message on the website reads: "This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks". MeetMindful was founded in 2014. For several MeetMindful users, the leaked data can be used to trace their dating profiles back to their real-world identities. The data is still available for download on the public file-hosting site where it was initially uploaded. Several hackers have been engaged in sextortion where they contact dating site users, threatening to expose their profiles to family unless they pay a ransom. ShinyHunters has been involved in several data breaches recently, including allegedly leaking sensitive data of nearly 3.25 lakh users of Delhi-NCR based global cryptocurrency exchange and wallet, BuyUcoin, on the Dark Web. ShinyHunters has also leaked 1.9 million (19 lakh) user records stolen from free online photo editing application Pixlr. According to cyber security experts, the hacker is the same who earlier leaked BigBasket and JusPay data in <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>. Three other Indian companies -- e-marketplace ClickIndia, <keyword id="2461546" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="FinTech">fintech</keyword> startup for small business owners ChqBook and wedding planning website WedMeGood -- were also breached possibly by the same hacker. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/an-american-electric-car-maker-explains-why-it-took-a-different-route-than-elon-musks-tesla-tata-motors-or-mahindra/articleshow/80442243.cms?upcache=2">An American electric car maker explains why it took a different route than Elon Musk’s Tesla, Tata Motors or Mahindra</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/new-realme-stores-in-india-and-ceo-says-there-is-plan-for-new-devices/articleshow/80443801.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Realme plans to open 500 new stores in 2021⁠— the CEO reveals the company will go beyond smartphones in the 5G era</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indias-co-working-sector-wants-recognition-under-real-estate-tax-benefits-as-flexible-workspaces-aim-for-a-significant-revival-in-the-post-covid-era/articleshow/80431768.cms">India’s co-working sector wants recognition under real estate, tax benefits as flexible workspaces aim for a significant revival in the post-COVID era</a>

Dating site MeetMindful hacked — data of over 2 million users leaked including Facebook details and geo-location

<ul><li>Apple's iPhone 15 launch could mean discontinuing older models to make way for new devices.</li><li><keyword id="6903543" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ios-17" source="Orion">iOS 17</keyword> update may not be available for older iPhones and iPads, while newer models are eligible.</li><li>Users with certain iPad models may not be able to update to the upcoming <keyword id="17165791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ipados-17" source="Orion">iPadOS 17</keyword>.</li></ul>As we gear up for the iPhone 15 this fall, it's not just a time to get excited about Apple's latest offering - it's also a time to prepare for some current models to be phased out, making way for it the new devices. While Apple's plans are still under wraps, the company has established patterns when it comes to updating its phone lineup. This gives us an estimate of which models will likely stick around and which will be discontinued. This speculation aligns with Apple's previous strategy of phasing out older models to make way for newer ones. Last year, the company discontinued the previous generation of Pro models and the iPhone 11 and 12 Mini to drive sales of the latest devices. Alternatively, the older models that do remain in the lineup could receive a significant price cut in India. Apple's current smartphone lineup comprises the iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 and 13 Mini, iPhone 12, and iPhone SE (2022). However, Apple may discontinue the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini, following the release of the iPhone 15 series. This would leave the iPhone 13, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus as the only models available. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Your old iPhone may not get iOS 17" comment="subhead" text="Your old iPhone may not get iOS 17">Your old iPhone may not get iOS 17</cmsannotation> The upcoming <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apples-wwdc-2023-expect-updates-for-ios-macos-and-watchos-with-possible-surprise-hardware-reveal/articleshow/99107848.cms">Worldwide Developer Conference</a> by Apple on June 5 is expected to bring a host of exciting announcements. One such update is iOS 17, which is expected to come pre-installed on the upcoming iPhone 15 later this year. However, a recent report from <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2023/04/04/ios-17-compatible-devices-rumor/">MacRumors</a> suggests that Apple may provide iOS 17 to two generations of iPhones that received iOS 16. Unfortunately, this means that the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X will miss out on the latest update, while devices launched after them will be eligible for the iOS 17 update. Here’s the list of the potentially iOS 17 eligible iPhones- <ul><li>iPhone XS</li><li>iPhone XS Max</li><li>iPhone XR</li><li>iPhone 11</li><li>iPhone 11 Pro series</li><li>iPhone 12 series</li><li>iPhone 12 Pro series</li><li>iPhone 13 series</li><li>iPhone 13 Pro series</li><li>iPhone 14 series</li><li>iPhone 14 Pro series</li></ul>Some iPad models may not be eligible for the upcoming iPadOS 17 update. Users with first-generation iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch, or iPad (fifth generation) may miss out on the latest update. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/sextortion-a-looming-threat-to-online-security-and-how-to-defend-against-it/articleshow/99483335.cms">Sextortion: A looming threat to online security and how to defend against it</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/thirsty-ai-how-openais-gpt-3-and-googles-bard-are-gulping-down-water-equivalent-to-a-nuclear-reactor-to-train-their-models/articleshow/99468953.cms">Gone with the AI: ChatGPT ‘drinks’ 500 ml water to answer 50 questions</a>

Apple's iPhone 15 launch may phase out older models and skip iOS 17 update for some iPhones and iPads

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Sextortion: A looming threat to online security and how to defend against it

Rahul Verma

Dating site MeetMindful hacked — data of over 2 million users leaked including Facebook details and geo-location

IANS

Apple's iPhone 15 launch may phase out older models and skip iOS 17 update for some iPhones and iPads

Rahul Verma

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