A new form of online abuse called cyberflashing is on the rise.
Harassers who cyberflash send obscene or inappropriate images to victims by abusing security flaws in services like AirDrop.
What Is Cyberflashing?
The tactic is similar to other forms of online abuse, like Zoombombing or Zoom raiding.
Zoombombing harassers use default app or machine security prefs to join private meetings.
They may disrupt things by shouting profanities and sharing graphic or inappropriate images.
Cyberflashing attacks often go unreported, meaning authorities don’t have a good idea of how often they occur.
However, available information suggests that cyberflashing and many other types of online abuse are becoming much more common.
Whether cyberflashing is illegal depends on where you live.
Singapore is one exception, where cyberflashing has been illegal since 2019.
Some countries are also starting to introduce legislation that would make cyberflashing a specific crime.
PM Boris Johnson has denounced cyberflashing and even noted that it should be a criminal offense.
If successful, it could go into effect later this year.
These parameters will also protect your rig from some ofthe security risksthat can come with using AirDrop.
Or, you could limit AirDrop to just your contacts or disable receiving altogether until you actually need it.
Sending photos, videos, and other content without the recipient’s consent is morally wrong.
