Protecting yourself online from blackmail situations

[ricerick]

Got a really disturbing message through a social app today—some random person claimed to have screenshots of personal stuff and wanted money to not share them. I haven’t responded, but the fear is real. It could be a bluff, but what if it’s not? Feels like I’m suddenly vulnerable in a way I never expected. Can anyone who’s been through something similar suggest how to protect your online presence and what to do when facing threats like this?