An overseas criminal syndicate was uncovered as the perpetrator of a sextortion attempt on a 14-year-old Australian girl through a world-first Queensland initiative.
Cybernetic Shield provides an integrated safety solution for schools and parents to combat the growing wave of cyberbullying, sextortion, and online exploitation.
Chief Executive Officer Reg Williams said the program provided the tools needed to keep children safer in a 24/7 digital world.
“We created this solution because schools and families need more than good intentions and buck-passing. They need real-time tools, expert support and proactive protection to navigate a constantly evolving online landscape,” Mr Williams said.
He said Cybernetic Shield had already made a tangible difference in several serious incidents involving Australian schoolchildren.
“In one case, a 15-year-old girl was wrongly accused of sending abusive messages and isolated by her school and peers.
“Cybernetic Shield’s Investigation Shield proved she was innocent with psychological support provided by the Psychology Shield to help her recover from the trauma.”
Mr Williams said in another incident, a 14-year-old girl was targeted in a sextortion attempt that her school could not resolve.
“Cybernetic Shield traced the attack to an overseas criminal syndicate, clearing an innocent boy’s name and stopping further harm.”
He said there was also preventative aspect to the program, citing a case involving a Year 4 student who was self-harming.
“The Investigation Shield team ruled out online grooming with the Psychology Shield identifying a family mental health issue and referring the entire family for professional support.
“We’re not just a reactive service, we’re a prevention partner,” Mr Williams said.
He said the company’s goal was to ensure schools weren’t trying to manage complex digital crises alone.
“We give them the tools, training, and trusted support they need to act early and effectively.
“We’ve seen firsthand how devastating these online threats can be, not just to students, but to entire school communities.”
Mr Williams said the system was created by education, law enforcement, cyber security, forensic and mental health professionals and provided a wholistic, wraparound service that guided schools, students, and families through education, prevention, investigation, psychological support and risk mitigation.
He said Cybernetic Shield worked 24/7 directly with schools to empower teachers and parents to help protect students by:
- Reducing and responding to digital risks like cyberbullying, sexting, doxing, and grooming.
- Investigating incidents using police-grade tools and digital forensics.
- Supporting mental health through a trained triage team and access to counselling.
- Educating students, staff and families through tailored workshops and digital literacy programs.
- Protecting school reputations by minimising legal, financial and media risks.
“Sadly, one incident can destroy a student’s future, a teacher’s career, or a school’s reputation. The internet should be a place of learning, connection and creativity – not trauma.”
