Cybersecurity experts in Kuwait have raised alarms about a new and dangerous tactic used by cybercriminals. This involves malicious links that, when clicked, take photographs of the users and subsequently use these images for blackmail purposes.

Victims of this scheme receive a link that captures their images once clicked. The scammers then demand money from these individuals, threatening to publish their photos if their demands are not met. This warning follows the proactive measures taken by the Cybercrime Department at the Ministry of Interior, which, alongside the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) and local telecom companies, has blocked 392 fraudulent websites linked to such scams. Among these, 52 websites impersonated Al-Durra Company for the Recruitment of Domestic Workers.

In addition to blocking fake websites, authorities have also suspended around 662 fraudulent local WhatsApp numbers, with 65% impersonating Al-Durra Company. Mohammad Al-Rashidi, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Electronic Media Union, revealed that several Kuwaiti citizens have fallen victim to these deceitful links.

Experts urge the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to deny requests for camera access from unknown sources. Al-Rashidi cautions that falling into this trap can lead to complex and difficult situations.

Jamila Al-Otaibi, a business leader in consulting and digital transformation, emphasizes the necessity of raising digital awareness to combat these evolving threats. She advises everyone to:

Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Be cautious of links shared through social media or emails from unreliable sources.

Activate Two-Step Verification: Enhance account security by enabling two-factor authentication.

Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for each account.

Limit Personal Information Sharing: Share personal details only with trusted individuals or organizations.

Regularly Update Security Software: Ensure that devices are equipped with the latest security applications and antivirus programs.

What to Do If You Fall Victim

If you suspect that you have been targeted by such a scam, immediately report the incident to the relevant authorities and refrain from interacting with the blackmailers. Prompt action is crucial in mitigating the effects of cyber blackmail.