On Sunday, 29th October 2023, the Unit of Women’s Empowerment at Al-Maarif University College held an awareness seminar which was presented by Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim, representative of the National Security Service in Anbar governorate, and lecturers in the Department of Computer Science Asst. Lec. Ali Saadoon Ahmed, and Asst. Lec. Mohammed Hatim Aliwi.
The seminar was opened by Dr. Abd Al-Monim Salih, Head of the Department of Computer Science, welcomed the guest Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim, who addressed the importance of electronic blackmail to which women are subjected, and how they are hacked and blackmailed.
Colonel Mohammed explained the reasons for the extortion process, which may be financial, reprisal, security or sexual motives.
The Dean of Al-Maarif University College, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abd Al-Malik Abd Al-Rahman, added a talk on the religious side about Islamic borders and the virtues and morals of Arabs, and that Islam taught us to not have absolute confidence, and as the good belief is required, also the bad belief is required too, as well as, when a girl feels that there is complete secrecy to solve her matter secretly, she is encouraged to go to the National Security Service when she is being blackmailed electronically, suggesting that they should update a special women-only section in the National Security Service to communicate with girls.
In conclusion, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim recommended several useful tips to avoid electronic blackmail, including:
- Avoid complying with extortion requests.
- Do not communicate with the blackmailer and turn off all the programs of communication with him.
- Disclosure of the matter with a trusted person.
- Communicate with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
