Fourth-year students in the Biomedical Engineering Department launched an awareness campaign titled “Combating Cyber Extortion: Protecting Privacy and Mental Health,” under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Iman Yasser Hussein and Engineer Zahraa Mohammed Kadhim.
Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being), the harms resulting from cyber extortion pose a serious threat to public health and personal safety. For example, falling victim to extortion leads to immense psychological stress, causing nervous system disorders, which can result in severe anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The heart also suffers from strain due to chronic stress, as persistently elevated levels of adrenaline and cortisol increase the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases.
Campaign Themes and Dimensions:
• Psychological and Physical Impact: The terror resulting from the threat causes loss of appetite and sleep disturbances, weakening the immune system and making the body susceptible to complex physical and psychological illnesses.
• Technical Awareness: Cybersecurity is crucial as part of the technological environment that biomedical engineers work with, ensuring the protection of personal and medical data from breaches. • Social responsibility: Raising awareness about how to deal legally and technically with blackmailers is the first step to breaking the barrier of fear and restoring psychological balance.
We must not forget that the risk of psychological breakdown and social isolation remains a constant and real threat that requires awareness, vigilance, and trust in the competent authorities to protect individuals and society.
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