Scorned exes get digital revenge

Got sext regret? Understandable—a new report shows that many Americans have been hacked by angry exes.

By Kristin Wong Feb 15, 2013 6:31PM

If your Valentine's Day gift included a racy photo from your significant other, you're not alone. This year, 36 percent of Americans said they planned to send their partner an explicit photo to celebrate the holiday. Because nothing says, "I love you" like an X-rated selfie.

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The bad news is, 12 percent of people have had their personal data leaked by an ex, according to a recent study from Internet security company McAfee. What's more, one in 10 people have had an ex threaten to post risqué photos of them online.

And there are plenty of outlets for those threats, with more and more "ex revenge" sites popping up. The Heart Beat talked to Norton Internet Safety Advocate Marian Merritt. She gave us some ways to prevent digital revenge and some tips to recover if you're already a victim.

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McAfee's study revealed that more than half of people share their passwords with a partner. It's sort of harrowing that the same study revealed over 56 percent people have also logged into their partner's email or social media account.

"It's okay to keep some things to yourself," Merritt told us. "If you do share your passwords, and things in your relationship take a turn for the worse, be sure to reset them and avoid using words or names someone close to you could easily guess."

Of those scorned exes that leaked intimate photos or personal information, 45 percent said they did it because of lying. Forty-one percent were cheated on, and 14 percent were left at the altar.

"Bad relationships can leave lasting pain," Merritt told us. " Your ex could try to install spy software on your computer or mobile device when you’re not around, so be sure to use passwords that lock your screen."

If you're one of the unfortunate 12 percent that have had your personal data leaked by an ex, there are some options for recovering after the damage is done.

Here are some tips that Norton shared with MSN's The Heart Beat:

Take action immediately by shutting down any affected accounts, or ones you think an ex or hacker could leverage.
Watch your credit cards and credit reports carefully. The sooner you catch fraudulent behavior, the easier it will be to refute.
Set up fraud alert with the three national consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union).
While it may seem silly, be sure to file a police report. Whether or not you’re able to provide the police with enough information to bring the criminal to justice, the police report can be used as evidence if you need to fight any fraudulent claims.
Let your friends and family know you’ve been hacked and that they shouldn’t click on links in suspicious emails from you or “like” any of your unusual posts on social networks. Ask your friends and family to notify you if they receive a “friend request” in your name from a new account, even if it claims it’s from you and that your previous account should be ignored “due to hacking.”
Contact the social network if you suspect on of your accounts has been compromised and report the hack or any accounts trying to impersonate you.

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