The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has cautioned the public to be wary of online blackmail and sexortion cases.
The authority in a statement dated July 31, highlighted that, between March and June, 141 reports were filed amounting to 226 victims losing GH₵112,209 in the first six months of 2024.
“Following the March 2024 alert, in which the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) noted a 254% year-on-year increase in online blackmail cases for the first two months of the year, an additional one hundred and forty-one (141) reports were filed between March and June. The two hundred and twenty-six (226) cases recorded so far this year have resulted in a loss of GH¢ 112,209″, excerpt of the statement read.
CSA indicated that, the cases involve threat actors using social media platforms to initiate friendships, lure victims into intimate relationships, secretly record nude video calls, and later use the content for blackmail.
“Avoid accepting online friend requests from unknown individuals, be wary of video calls from unknown people on social media platforms, use strong passwords to protect sensitive data and only use reputable mobile device repair services”, CSA added.
