Understanding Swatting Threats & Defense Strategies

Swatting is a dangerous act where someone makes a fake emergency report to send a SWAT team to an unsuspecting person’s home or workplace. This malicious prank puts lives at risk and causes chaos.

While it started in gaming communities, swatting now targets businesses, public figures, and everyday people.In the 2022–2023 school year, 63.8% of violent incidents were false reports of active shooters (swatting), highlighting the alarming prevalence of this threat.

This blog breaks down how swatting works, why it happens, and how you can protect yourself or your organization from this growing threat.

How Does Swatting Work?

Swatting involves making a false report of an emergency—such as a hostage situation or active shooter—designed to provoke an extreme law enforcement response. Attackers use various tactics to execute these hoaxes:

• Accessing public information: Swatters gather details like names, addresses, and phone numbers from company websites, LinkedIn, or online directories.
• Exploiting online tools: Easily available tools help attackers find or spoof personal information to make their false reports appear credible.
• Coordinated attacks: Some swatting incidents involve multiple attackers working together to increase the impact.

By exploiting accessible data and weaknesses in emergency response systems, swatters turn harmless pranks into life-threatening situations.

Why Do Swatters Do It?

Swatters have various motivations, ranging from personal grudges to more sinister goals:

• To create chaos: Some attackers simply want to cause panic and disruption.
• For revenge or rivalry: Swatting often starts as a way to "get back" at someone, especially in gaming or online communities.
• For political or ideological reasons: High-profile targets are sometimes swatted to intimidate or make a public statement.

Understanding these motives helps organizations and law enforcement agencies prepare and respond more effectively.

Real-World Swatting Incidents

Swatting has caused significant damage in several high-profile cases:

• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: In November 2023, attackers accessed the healthcare center’s clinical network and threatened to "swat" patients by making false emergency calls. The FBI intervened to address the threat.
• Ubisoft Montreal: In November 2020, a false hostage report at Ubisoft’s office led to a massive police response, evacuation, and panic. The incident was later confirmed to be a swatting hoax.
• White House Fire Hoax: In January 2024, a false 911 call reported a fire at the White House, prompting an emergency response. Fire engines were dispatched, but it was quickly confirmed as a hoax.

These incidents underscore the serious risks swatting poses to individuals and organizations, prompting authorities like the FBI to implement measures to track and prevent such attacks.

How to Protect Yourself or Your Organization from Swatting

Swatting is not just a nuisance—it’s a life-threatening danger that requires serious preventative measures. Failing to act could leave you, your employees, or your organization exposed to unnecessary risks. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to mitigate this threat.

Let’s dive further into the strategies below to safeguard yourself and your organization:

1. Limit Your Public Information

Be cautious about sharing personal details online, especially addresses and phone numbers. Use privacy settings on social media and professional platforms like LinkedIn.

2. Strengthen Account Security

Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection.

3. Train Your Employees

Incorporate regular security awareness training to help employees identify suspicious activities and understand the risks of swatting.

4. Report Suspicious Behavior

Encourage team members to report unusual activities or threats immediately. A proactive approach can help prevent attacks from escalating.

Who Is at Risk of Swatting?

Swatting can happen to anyone. Whether you’re a business leader, a public figure, or an ordinary individual, your personal information could be exploited if it’s accessible online. Acknowledging this risk is the first step toward protecting yourself.

Leveraging the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform

Combatting threats like swatting requires both awareness and the right tools. The Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform provides a comprehensive solution to address human-related risks.

• Use the Keepnet Phishing Simulator to prepare your team for emerging cyber threats.
• Incorporate Security Awareness Training to educate employees and reduce human error.
• Develop a culture of vigilance and readiness to minimize the risks of swatting and other attacks.

By investing in the right strategies and tools, you can protect your organization from the growing threat of swatting.