Module 16 • Aware360 Pro • Digital & Tech-Based Predatory Awareness
Digital & Tech-Based Predatory Awareness
Modern predators use technology before violence ever becomes physical. Digital manipulation, online grooming, tracking devices, fake identities, data harvesting and AI-generated deception are now part of real-world danger. This module teaches you how to detect, prevent, and disrupt digital predation before it escalates.
1. What Is a Digital Predator?
A digital predator is anyone who uses technology to:
- Track your location or movements
- Harvest your personal information
- Manipulate you emotionally or psychologically
- Catfish or impersonate someone else
- Groom children or teens
- Install spyware or access your device
- Gather intelligence before a physical attack
Key truth: Digital predators don’t need proximity — they need access.
2. The Digital Attack Chain (Aware360 Cyber Flow)
The 6-Stage Digital Predation Flow
1. Data Scouting
Social media, posts, routines, workplace.
Social media, posts, routines, workplace.
2. Identity Analysis
Friends, family, relationships.
Friends, family, relationships.
3. Approach
DMs, comments, fake accounts, “mutuals.”
DMs, comments, fake accounts, “mutuals.”
4. Manipulation
Flattery, urgency, secrecy.
Flattery, urgency, secrecy.
5. Extraction
Photos, location, passwords, compliance.
Photos, location, passwords, compliance.
6. Action
Tracking, meeting, blackmail, or physical approach.
Tracking, meeting, blackmail, or physical approach.
Data is the new weapon. Predators don’t need strength — they need information.
3. Online Grooming Patterns (Adult & Child)
Common Grooming Scripts
- “We have so much in common.”
- “Don’t tell anyone, they wouldn’t understand.”
- “You’re mature for your age.”
- “I can help you get famous / followers.”
- “Let’s move to a private app.”
- “Send me a picture so I know it’s you.”
Emotional Pressure Tactics
- Flattery to create trust
- Isolation from friends or adults
- Rapid intimacy (“We’re close now”)
- Guilt (“If you don’t reply, I’ll be upset”)
- Fear (“Something bad will happen if you tell anyone”)
Online predators always escalate. Silence is survival — block, report, disengage.
4. Tracking & Technology-Based Threats
A) AirTags & GPS Trackers
- Hidden in bags, coats, vehicles, gifts
- Can track you within 3–10 metres
- Many victims never know they’re being monitored
Check: iPhone → “Items Detected Near You”
Android → Tracker Detect App
B) Wi-Fi Honeypot Traps
Fake Wi-Fi networks named “Free WiFi”, “Costa_WiFi”, “Hotel_Guest” used to:
- Read your unencrypted traffic
- Steal passwords
- Inject pop-up malware
C) QR Code Attacks
- Fake posters
- Restaurant menus
- Parking meters
Never scan a QR code you didn’t expect to scan.
D) Bluetooth-Based Attacks
- File drop traps
- Bluetooth spoofing
- Silent device pairing attempts
Always keep Bluetooth OFF unless using it.
5. Fake Accounts, AI Faces & Catfishing
Predators now use AI-generated photos (“deepfake profiles”). These are indistinguishable to most people.
Red Flags of Fake Profiles
- No tagged photos
- Too few friends or followers
- Perfect lighting / AI-smooth skin
- No posts older than 6–12 months
- DMs instantly after accepting request
If a profile feels “too perfect,” it’s engineered.
6. Dark Psychology of Digital Predators
The 5 Psychological Levers
1. Curiosity
Clickbait links, mystery messages.
Clickbait links, mystery messages.
2. Ego
“You’re special… You’re talented…”
“You’re special… You’re talented…”
3. Fear
Fake threats or warnings.
Fake threats or warnings.
4. Desire
Romantic, financial, status-based.
Romantic, financial, status-based.
5. Empathy
Pretending to need help.
Pretending to need help.
Predators don’t hack devices — they hack emotions.
7. Securing Your Digital Life (Device Hardening)
Phone Security
- Disable Bluetooth & AirDrop by default
- Turn off “Precise Location” for all apps
- Use strong alphanumeric passcodes
- Update phone weekly (security patches)
- Disable lock-screen message previews
- Turn off “Allow apps to track”
Social Media Security
- Hide birthday & relationship status
- Set stories to “Close Friends Only”
- Disable location tagging
- Don’t post school/workplace in real-time
- Block & delete strangers immediately
Wi-Fi & Network Security
- Use mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi
- Never log into bank / email on public Wi-Fi
- Turn off “Auto-Join Networks”
Most attacks fail when devices are hardened.
🧠 Module 16 Knowledge Test
1. Digital predators rely on:
2. A fake Wi-Fi network is used to:
3. A major red flag of a fake profile:
4. Safe response to an unknown QR code?
5. Best mobile defence?
