Gangs Behind the Screens

With this widespread use, new risks have emerged, the most prominent of which is the exploitation by cybercrime gangs and hackers—often referred to among young people as “hackers”—of this digital space to access others’ accounts and data for various purposes. Some plan to steal money, others seek revenge or reputational damage, while some aim to pressure victims into doing things they do not want, or to achieve personal or criminal benefits.

To protect against these gangs’ crimes, users should be cautious of unknown accounts and suspicious links, avoid storing private or sensitive information, and refrain from sharing personal data and photos. Much of the information users share may seem harmless to them, but it can provide others with details that can be exploited against them.

If a person falls victim to hacking or blackmail and threats, they should preserve all conversations, messages, and any dialogue that constitutes evidence of the crime, and completely refuse the hackers’ demands for money or coercion into any activity.

The situation is even more dangerous when the victim is a child or teenager, whose lack of experience makes them easy targets. They may be threatened with the exposure of images, information, or conversations they have sent. Fear of their family may lead them to remain silent and comply with the blackmailer.

However, the victim should be honest with their family about what has happened. The family is the first refuge; it should embrace the victim, not reject them, and respond calmly without assigning blame, while taking necessary steps to protect them and preserve evidence of the threats. The family should follow the basic steps recommended for anyone who has fallen victim to this crime.

Thus, the use of communication devices and their applications is a field that combines benefits and risks. Awareness is the most important shield to protect users from its various dangers, particularly those posed by these hidden criminal gangs.