Sextortion: How to Recognize It and What to Do

[National Cybersecurity Alliance]

A clear, practical guide for adults, parents, and anyone who wants to be prepared. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

Stay Safe Online News SEXTORTION: WHAT IT IS, HOW IT WORKS, AND WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU Sextortion is a form of online blackmail in which someone threatens to share intimate images unless the victim pays money, sends more images, or does what they demand. It can happen to anyone, and it often starts with a message that seems completely harmless.   The most important thing to know is this: if it happens to you or someone you love, you are not alone, you are not to blame, and there are clear steps you can take. Knowing what sextortion looks like and how to respond makes a real difference.   Read our article to learn more about sextortion, how it works, and what to do if it happens to you or someone you know. Read more ARTICLES, RESOURCES, AND EVENTS Staying safe online isn’t about making one perfect decision. It’s about building habits and repeating them consistently in the small moments that happen every day. In doing this, we can all make life difficult for cybercriminals. Register to become a Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion today and receive a free toolkit to help spread the word and make an impact in your community. Become a Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion Join us as we kick off Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 on October 1st at 1pm ET with government and industry leadership to explore the cyber threat landscape and how we can improve our nation's cyber resilience. Register for the Kick-off Small businesses are more confident than ever about their cybersecurity. But the data tells a different story. Our new report examines findings from 1,000 SMB leaders across 10 industries, revealing where confidence and cybersecurity realities don't always align. Get the report The #Pledge2Protect kids online movement is growing! 🌐 Since last August, more than 300,000 kids, teens and adults have taken the Pledge2Protect themselves and others from online sexual exploitation and abuse. The mission is simple: Take the pledge, then pass it on. Help @Know2Protect reach 500,000 pledges. Take the Pledge2Protect © 2025 National Cybersecurity Alliance, StaySafeOnline.org Mailing Address: 717 Coliseum Drive NW, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27106, USA. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, click on the following link to unsubscribe or customize your communication preferences. View our privacy policy.