When we pay money for a service, we expect a certain level of performance. We often mull over informational articles before making mundane choices as simple as what boots we will buy. Afterall, nobody wants a pleather when they are paying for genuine leather.
The same can be said of our expectations when hiring a cyber security professional. Conducting research and looking into a firm’s certifications is pivotal in choosing the best digital investigator available.
Becoming a victim of online blackmail is bad on its own. You don’t want to compound it by turning to the wrong resources for help. Your money is at stake in more ways than one, so you should carefully pick a team of experts who can conduct a proper investigation and get the evidence you need.
How Do You Investigate Digital Blackmail?
The process of investigating blackmail falls into the realm of digital forensics. In this forensic investigation a cybersecurity professional will analyze the scenario which led to the threats being made against the victim. This looks into accounts, platforms used to communicate, chat logs containing threatening messages, any financial transactions, and data points that may have been left behind by the perpetrator.
Any crime leaves a trail of evidence that can help experts understand how it was committed. Examining this digital evidence is crucial to uncovering the identity of the cyber criminals, bringing them to justice, and protecting against similar attacks in the future.
Types of Experts Who Handle Blackmails Cases
Whether you’ve already been targeted in a cybercrime or are looking to take a proactive approach with your online security, there are experts available who can assist you. In order to choose the right professional, you must understand the different services provided by each.
- Digital Investigator/Private Investigator: These specialized sleuths review evidence left behind when a cybercrime is committed. The findings of digital investigators can help you identify your attacker and the tools they used to commit their digital crime.
- Threat Analysts: These are experts that can help you take preventative action against online blackmail. Threat analysts specialize in evaluating risk, identifying attack patterns, and advising on security measures to keep cybercriminals away from your personal data.
- Online Fraud Specialist: These professionals track financial extortion attempts and online schemes. Online fraud specialists can alert you of suspicious activity that you may be unaware of.
Key Qualities to Look for in a Blackmail Expert
Like any service you are seeking, you should begin your decision process by conducting some personal research. A simple internet search can help you create a list of possible outlets who you can consult.
Once you’ve established a familiarity with these professionals, you should look into their credentials. You will want a firm that has technical skills, digital forensics knowledge, and experience investigating blackmail cases such as yours.
Make sure they are licensed investigators and are knowledgeable of the laws regarding blackmail. This includes jurisdictional issues and the federal and state laws that cover blackmail in the region in which you reside.
You should also consider the typical response time and availability of the firm. Cybercrimes like online blackmail can escalate at any time and require rapid reaction. Choosing fast-working cyber security experts with 24/7 availability is critical.
How Blackmail Experts Work
The first step in investigating online blackmail is conducting threat analysis. This allows cyber security experts to identify security vulnerabilities and causes of the attack to determine the best course of action for resolving the situation.
Next, experts will work to contain the source of the threat. Metadata analysis and device fingerprinting can allow digital investigators to determine the geographic location of the perpetrator and remove their leverage.
These organizations can also point you in the direction of the proper law enforcement agency that has the ability to legally pursue your case. Furthermore, they can provide continual monitoring to prevent further extortion and protect against future attacks.
Where to Find a Reputable Blackmail Expert.
You will want to work with the right organization that specializes in blackmail cases. Confirm their credentials investigating cybercrimes such as the ones being waged against you to ensure their capabilities.
You will also want to heed referrals and reviews of the organization you choose. Each professional group will highlight the best aspects of their service, but you will want to hear from those who have actually sought their aid.
Major Red Flag to Avoid.
While there are reputable cyber security professionals that can assist you with your blackmail investigation, there are just as many organizations with poor practices that can do more damage than good. Avoid working with firms who display the following characteristics:
- Illegal Tactics: Steer clear of any organizations that claim they will hack your blackmailer. This is illegal retaliation and evidence obtained in this manner is normally inadmissible.
- Improper Handling of Evidence: The proof of the crime needs to be handled with extreme caution. Organizations that haphazardly conduct analysis can damage and lose essential proof that is necessary for legal proceedings.
- Confidentiality Risks: Ensure the discretion of organization you are consulting. Do not disclose any private information without first confirming that proper protections are in place.
Working with Digital Forensics Corp.
Here at DFC, we are ready to assist you with online blackmail or any other cybercrimes you may face. Our team of experts is proficient in digital fingerprinting techniques such as IP tracking that allow us to locate perpetrators all around the world and bring them to justice.
Don’t just take our word for it. Read through our nearly 300 reviews from verified clients on Trustpilot to see what they think of our services.
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER. DIGITAL FORENSICS CORP. IS NOT A LAWFIRM AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR SERVICES. By viewing posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship, the post should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
