The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeFederal law enforcement and college athletics officials are joining forces to protect student-athletes from digital threats and online sexual exploitation. The FBI and the NCAA announced a joint initiative on Monday to address the growing risks facing athletes, whose expanding online presence and commercial opportunities leave them increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Such breaches can quickly lead to severe sextortion campaigns, leaving victims exposed to harassment, stalking, and instances where perpetrators publish stolen private content directly onto the athletes' own social media pages. open image in gallery Neither the NCAA nor the FBI had specific numbers of athletes who were victimized by sextortion plots ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press.