The Department of Soil Science and Water Resources at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences organized an awareness lecture titled “Cyber Extortion and Its Psychological Impacts”, in collaboration with the University Psychological Counseling Unit and the Continuing Education Unit, and in coordination with the Ministry of Interior / Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency.
This event was held as part of efforts to enhance community awareness of cybercrime risks and prevention strategies, and within the department’s activities for Sustainable University Week. The lecture was sponsored and attended by the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Ameera Mohammed Saleh, and supervised by the Head of the Department, Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Abdulridha, with the حضور of faculty members and students.
The session was delivered by Colonel Dr. Sarmad Ibrahim Abdulhussein and Lieutenant Colonel Eng. Muhannad Hussein Hadi, who presented a comprehensive scientific and security-focused overview. The lecture addressed the concept of cyber extortion, its most common methods, and its psychological and social impacts on victims. It also highlighted the legal procedures involved, as well as digital protection strategies and appropriate ways to respond to such incidents.
The speakers emphasized the importance of raising digital awareness, promoting a culture of early reporting, and providing both psychological and legal support to victims in order to limit the spread of this phenomenon.
The lecture witnessed strong engagement from attendees, who stressed the importance of continuing such awareness programs to help build a digitally aware and secure society.
This event aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
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Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
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Goal 4: Quality Education (Digital Security Awareness)
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Goal 5: Gender Equality (Protection of women from violence and extortion)
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Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Safe and resilient communities)
