The Faculty of Arts, at Ain Shams University, held a symposium entitled “Cybercrimes...electronic blackmail as a model,” under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development, Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty, supervised by Prof. Hanan Salem, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Dr. Shaima Magdy, Director of the Social and Development Studies Unit.

The symposium was attended by Dr. Rania Hakim, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Faculty of Girls, where she discussed the definition of crimes, their types, and the penalties prescribed for them. She also addressed the definition of electronic crimes in general and electronic blackmail in particular, pointing out the effects and patterns of electronic blackmail and how to combat this phenomenon effectively.

A presentation was also given of some cases that were recently covered by the media, and were actually subjected to electronic blackmail, and how to avoid falling into the problem of blackmail was pointed out.

Dr. Shaima Magdy, Director of the Social and Development Studies Unit, indicated the most important procedures that must be followed when exposed to electronic blackmail. Her Excellency presented, through a presentation, the special link to the official website of the Ministry of Interior to submit a report and the hotline (108) to report cybercrimes, which operates 24 hours a day.

It also displayed the phone numbers of the Computer Crimes and Information Network Department at the Ministry of Interior headquarters in the Fifth Settlement in New Cairo.

The symposium witnessed a large attendance of students and faculty staff.

This symposium comes within a series of cultural and awareness-raising events organized by the Faculty of Arts, at Ain Shams University, with the aim of enriching knowledge and enhancing awareness of societal issues.

The symposium included a group of experts in the field of electronic security and consultants specialized in combating electronic extortion, who provided valuable presentations and interventions on the latest threats and developments in this field. The methods of electronic extortion were highlighted, including fraudulent theft of personal information, email fraud, digital phishing, and other negative and destructive forms of these crimes.

The attendees emphasized the importance of the role played by the Faculty of Arts in combating cybercrime, through various activities that would work to enhance awareness and educate young people regarding the ethics of using technology and the Internet.

Emphasis was also placed on strengthening ethical principles in dealing with electronic devices, enhancing awareness of the danger of unethical actions online, and the necessity of reporting cybercrimes to the competent authorities.

The symposium concluded with practical recommendations and guidance for the individual and society on how to deal with electronic blackmail crimes and reduce their impact. The speakers reviewed the importance of developing cyber security policies in institutions and companies, and enhancing cooperation between different sectors to confront these challenges.