FBI: Hackers target online accounts to steal nude photos
The FBI said attackers use phishing and password-guessing tactics to steal intimate photos and videos, with 517 accounts compromised in one recent case.
- The FBI warned on Monday that hackers are targeting adults and minors by compromising social media accounts to steal 'explicit content,' often leading to online exploitation and sextortion schemes.
- Attackers typically gain access through password-guessing using leaked credentials from prior data breaches or by posing as customer support to trick users into revealing verification codes.
- Once stolen, explicit images are sold on illicit marketplaces or used for sextortion, where criminals demand payment to prevent leaks while exposing victims' personal contact details.
- The FBI recommends using unique passwords and multi-factor authentication while advising against storing sensitive images on online services or paying attackers to prevent further exploitation.
- Tobac describes these attacks as 'a big public health issue' because they specifically target young boys and can drive victims to self-harm, underscoring the psychological toll.
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The Independent
The Independent (US)Criminals are hacking into people’s accounts to steal explicit images, FBI warns
Hackers will sell pictures on criminal marketplaces – with personal information included
The FBI says hackers are targeting your most private photos, not just your passwords
The FBI is warning that criminals are hijacking online accounts to steal intimate photos and videos, using familiar tactics including phishing, fake support messages, and password attacks.
FBI warns hackers are breaking into social media accounts to steal and sell users' nude photos
The FBI's warning concerns what it calls sexual exploitation actors. These criminals target specific people they are interested in, who may be strangers or known to them, as well as opportunistic victims. Once inside an account, they search for sexually explicit photos and videos, steal them without the owner's knowledge,...Read Entire Article
FBI Warns of Tactics Used to Steal and Leak Explicit Images and Videos
Reviewed by Irfan Ahmad.The FBI warns the public about sexual exploitation (SE) actors targeting adult and underage victims by illegally accessing their social media and personal accounts to steal and post their explicit content, “also known as non-consensual intimate images,” for sale on criminal marketplaces. The Aug. 10, 2026, alert says SE actors use social engineering and cyber intrusion tactics to target specific individuals of interest, “…
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