What to Do When Hacked and Blackmailed?

When faced with blackmail head-on, the majority of victims are left baffled, confused, and terrified. Questions start to flood their minds and the fear they feel can leave them paralyzed. These feelings are valid and very common. Blackmail isn’t something most citizens are prepared for, much less they think they could be a victim too. If you are caught in this situation and need help, read on to find out what to do when hacked and blackmailed.

Why is Blackmail Called Blackmail?

The term blackmail originated from a time of discord and strife between England and Scotland in the 16th to 17th centuries. Chieftains would demand rent, or mail, as a tribute – which is derived from an old Scandinavian word meaning agreement – alternatively referred to as ‘black’ money because it stood out against traditional silver coins used for legitimate payments.

What to Do When Hacked and Blackmailed?

The most important thing to remember is that it’s not your fault. No matter what type of data was stolen or how it was obtained, no one deserves to be blackmailed or threatened as a result. It’s important to remember that victims have rights, and there are steps they can take in order to protect themselves and their assets.

Secure Your System

The first step is to secure your system against any further attacks. This should involve changing all passwords associated with your accounts, ensuring that they are strong and unique. Many people make the mistake of using the same password across multiple accounts — so if one account is compromised, then they are all at risk. Make sure that this isn’t you! Also, consider using two-factor authentication if available for extra security.

Contact Law Enforcement

If you are being blackmailed by a hacker, then it’s important to contact law enforcement immediately. Law enforcement officials have experience dealing with these types of situations and can help ensure that your personal information is not released publicly or used for criminal activity. It’s important to note that law enforcement should always be contacted before paying any money as this could encourage future extortion attempts from other hackers.

Seek Professional Help

In addition to contacting law enforcement, it’s also important to seek out professional help from an experienced cybersecurity expert who can advise you on how best to protect yourself from future attacks and gather evidence against the hacker in question. A good cybersecurity expert will be able to review your system for any vulnerabilities and provide tailored advice on how best to secure it against future threats.

Can Someone Go to Prison for Blackmail?

The answer is yes — a person can be sent to prison for blackmail. Depending on the severity of the offense, a blackmailer may face jail time or even a lengthy prison sentence. For instance, in some cases, such as when there are multiple victims or large sums of money involved, the perpetrator may be charged with a felony and sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. On the other hand, if the case involves only one victim and smaller amounts of money (or no money at all), it may be considered a misdemeanor and punishable with less than 12 months in jail.

Conclusions

No one ever wants to think about being hacked or blackmailed — but unfortunately, it happens on occasion in today’s world. If it does happen to you, it is important that you know what to do when hacked and blackmailed properly so that your safety is not put at risk. Documenting your evidence, contacting law enforcement immediately, and seeking professional help are all important steps in dealing with hacking and extortion appropriately. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if needed; there are many resources available for those experiencing cybercrime-related issues today! Contact our blackmail helpline 24/7 if you being hacked and blackmailed.