The Augusta University Cyber Defense team and the Augusta University Police Department are drawing attention to cybersecurity risks during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October. The focus this year is on sextortion, a form of online blackmail where criminals threaten to share intimate images or videos unless victims meet their demands.
Curtis Dyal, director of Campus Security for the AU Police Department, said, “When communicating online, knowing the difference between someone real and a cybercriminal is harder than ever. Sexual extortion is a crime – report it, and don’t allow cybercriminals to take your money, safety or well-being. The AU Police Department is available 24/7 if you need assistance or have questions.”
Cybercriminals use several tactics to commit sextortion. They may pose as individuals seeking romantic relationships online to gain trust, hack into devices or social media accounts to steal private content, or use phishing schemes where victims click on malicious links and unknowingly provide access to their personal information.
The impact of sextortion can be severe, leading to emotional distress such as anxiety, shame, and fear. In some cases, it has resulted in suicide. The threat of having intimate content made public can also damage reputations and personal or professional relationships. Financial losses are significant as well; the FBI reported nearly 55,000 cases of sextortion and extortion in 2024, with losses reaching $33.5 million—a 59% increase from the previous year.
Special Agent Charles Kicklighter from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation advises victims not to send money, cryptocurrency, or precious metals. He also recommends avoiding unknown links, keeping software updated, verifying emails and URLs with open-source intelligence tools, and having a family code word in case AI is used for scams. He emphasizes reporting incidents to local law enforcement and the Internet Crime Compliance Center.
The AU Cyber Defense team urges Augusta University faculty, staff, and students not to share intimate content with others and to secure devices with strong passwords of at least 12 characters. Keeping software and security settings updated and staying alert to phishing attempts are also recommended. Suspicious activity should be reported to 72Cyber@augusta.edu.
Students and staff are reminded that meeting people online carries risks and that vigilance is essential. If an incident occurs on campus, individuals are encouraged to report it immediately to the Augusta University Police Department at 706-721-2911.
