FBI says cybercriminals are hacking into victims' online accounts to steal their intimate pictures
TechCrunch
β’Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:38:23 +0000
π° What Happened
The FBI warned that cybercriminals are hacking into adults' and children's social media accounts to steal intimate explicit images and videos, using social engineering to extort victims or publish the content. It urged users to enable multi-factor authentication and use unique passwords.
π The Backstory
Sextortion and account-theft crimes involving intimate content have existed for years, but experts say they appear to be rising. The FBI's alert highlights attacks that disproportionately target young people and can drive victims to serious harm.
π― Why It Matters
The alert points to a growing and emotionally devastating form of cybercrime that endangers minors and adults alike, underscoring the need for stronger account security and broader public awareness about sextortion and intimate-image theft.
The FBI warned that cybercriminals are hacking into adults' and children's social media accounts to steal intimate explicit images and videos, using social engineering to extort victims or publish the content. It urged users to enable multi-factor authentication and use unique passwords.
Sextortion and account-theft crimes involving intimate content have existed for years, but experts say they appear to be rising. The FBI's alert highlights attacks that disproportionately target young people and can drive victims to serious harm.
The alert points to a growing and emotionally devastating form of cybercrime that endangers minors and adults alike, underscoring the need for stronger account security and broader public awareness about sextortion and intimate-image theft.