In the Era of technology and the Internet, cyber extortion has become one of the most serious digital crimes that threaten individuals and societies. This type of crime is threatening the victim with publishing sensitive information, photos or videos of herself, with the aim of obtaining money or making illegal gains. Based on the belief of the Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs sector at the Faculty of Pharmacy – Horus University and its student union, in the important role of the faculty in the spreading awareness and knowledge among young people, especially in facing contemporary digital challenges such as electronic extortion. In this context, this awareness event “The dangers of electronic extortion and ways to confront it” was organized on Tuesday, 25/2/2025, presented by Dr. Ibrahim Hamdan, Teacher of Computer Science and Smart Systems at Horus University – Egypt, which aims primarily to enhance awareness of the dangers of electronic extortion and ways to confront it and enhance awareness of the importance of digital security and the ethics of using technology.

The seminar explained:

Risks of electronic extortion:

1. Psychological and emotional damage:
   • Feeling of constant fear and anxiety.
   • Loss of self-confidence and depression.
   • Sense of isolation and introversion.
2. Financial and economic damage:
   • Paying large sums of money to the blackmailer.
   • Exposure to stifling financial crises due to constant extortion.
3. Social and family damages:
   • Loss of reputation and exposure to scandal.
   • Disintegration of family relationships due to psychological stress.
4. Security and technical damages:
   • Theft of personal data and use in fraud.
   • Spying on the victim via electronic devices.

Ways to confront electronic extortion:

1. Failure to respond to the blackmailer:
   • Avoid paying any money or executing blackmailer requests.
   • Do not provide the blackmailer with any additional information or images.
2. Evidence Retention:
   • Save all messages and conversations that contain threats.
   • Photograph threatening messages and retain them as evidence.
3. Reporting Extortion:
   • Communicate with the competent security authorities and report extortion.
   • Take advantage of reporting services available on social media sites.
4. Enhancing digital security:
   • Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
   • Avoid posting sensitive personal information online.
   • Install and update antivirus software regularly.