Tag: cyber extortion
22 articles
US County Pays $1M to Cyber Extortionists Amid Data Leak Threat
A US county recently made a shocking decision to pay $1 million to cyber extortionists, despite lacking concrete proof that the hackers had deleted the stolen data, after a month-long negotiation that began with a hefty demand of $3 million. The extortion group, Kairos, had threatened to leak sensitive information, prompting the county to make a counteroffer that was ultimately outweighed by the threat.
Cyber Extortion Economy Shifts Away From Ransomware Encryption
The cyber extortion landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with threat actors ditching ransomware encryption in favor of data-only extortion - and they're moving at lightning speed, with one case seeing data exfiltration in just 39 seconds. This trend is driven by improved backup and recovery methods, leaving attackers to focus on stealing sensitive data.
Germany Faces Resurgence in Cyber Extortion Attacks
Germany has taken a concerning leap to the forefront of Europe's cyber extortion crisis, with a 92% surge in data leak victims listed in 2025 - nearly triple the European average. This alarming trend highlights the country's growing vulnerability to targeted cyber attacks.
Cybercrooks Exclusive: Dangerous Rise in Europe Payouts
Cyber extortion is escalating in worrying ways across Europe: researchers have logged at least 18 cases this year where ransomware threats are paired with physical violence. With average demands topping $200,000 and countries like France and the UK feeling the heat, the risk has shifted from data loss to public safety.
Qilin Ransomware Exclusive: Alarming 40+ Cases Monthly
Qilin ransomware is surging — over 40 incidents monthly — using double‑extortion leak sites that weaponize stolen files into lasting reputational damage. Is your organization prepared to respond beyond just restoring backups?
ransomware attack: Stunning Risky Data Theft Exposes Flaws
Asahi has confirmed a ransomware attack that stole data and forced a switch to manual order processing, leaving customers and partners eager to know what was compromised and how quickly the company can restore operations and trust.
ransomware operations Devastating Exposed Exclusive
An explosive U.S. indictment accuses a Ukrainian national of masterminding LockerGoga, MegaCortex and Nefilim ransomware campaigns that prosecutors say caused roughly $18 billion in global damage and carries an $11 million reward for information leading to arrest. The case highlights how ransomware has evolved into a systemic threat that can shutter hospitals, halt factories and ripple through economies — a wake-up call for better defenses and international cooperation.
UK Enforces Ransomware Payment Ban for Public Sector and CNI
In a groundbreaking move, the UK government has firmly declared that paying ransoms to cybercriminals is off the table for public sector and critical services, marking a bold stand against the rise of ransomware attacks. This pivotal ban, fueled by widespread public support, aims to protect vital services and restore trust in governmental cybersecurity measures.
Scattered Spider Stunning Arrests: Risky Networks Crippled
UK police have arrested four people tied to the notorious Scattered Spider ransomware group, a major win in protecting businesses and customers from costly data theft and extortion. Experts warn, though, that arrests are only the beginning of a longer fight to shore up security and rebuild trust.
Ransomware: Hunters International Transitions to a New Brand Identity
Ransomware: Hunters International unveils a bold new brand identity, reflecting its commitment to combating cyber threats and enhancing security solutions.
Ransomware crew Hunters International shuts down, hands out keys to victims
Ransomware group Hunters International has shut down operations and is distributing decryption keys to victims, offering relief from their attacks.
Qilin Ransomware Leaders Provide On-Call Lawyers for Intense Negotiations
Qilin Ransomware leaders offer on-call lawyers to assist in high-stakes negotiations, ensuring expert legal support during critical moments.
Iranian pleads guilty to RobbinHood ransomware attacks, faces 30 years
Iranian pleads guilty to RobbinHood ransomware attacks, facing 30 years in prison amid rising global cybersecurity tensions.
Massachusetts Teen Charged in PowerSchool Cyber Extortion: A Wake-Up Call for K–12 Data Security
A Massachusetts college student and teenager, Matthew Lane, now faces serious legal consequences after allegedly compromising the security of one of the nation’s leading K–12 student information systems, PowerSchool. Law enforcement officials report that Lane is accused of hacking into the platform, exfiltrating sensitive student and faculty data, and ultimately attempting to extort approximately $3 million in ransom
FBI Warns Law Firms: Luna Moth’s Stealth Phishing Campaign Targets Office Networks
FBI warns law firms: Luna Moth’s stealth phishing campaign is targeting office networks—upgrade cybersecurity to protect sensitive data.
Europol Dismantles Global Ransomware Network, Seizing 300 Servers and €3.5M
Europol dismantles a global ransomware network, seizing 300 servers and €3.5M in assets, delivering a major blow to cybercrime.
Police takes down 300 servers in ransomware supply-chain crackdown
Police dismantles 300 servers used in a ransomware supply-chain, significantly disrupting global cybercrime operations.
US teen to plead guilty to extortion attack against PowerSchool
A US teen has pleaded guilty to an extortion attack against PowerSchool, spotlighting serious cybercrime risks and legal consequences.
Hazy Hawk Exploits DNS Records to Hijack CDC, Corporate Domains for Malware Delivery
Hazy Hawk exploits DNS records to hijack CDC and corporate domains, enabling malicious actors to deliver malware through compromised network infrastructure.
LockBit Leaks Expose Efforts to Enlist Inexperienced Ransomware Operatives
LockBit leaks expose recruitment attempts targeting inexperienced ransomware operatives, revealing insider tactics behind a rising cybercrime threat.
PowerSchool Confirms Ransom Payment Amid Renewed Extortion Threats
PowerSchool confirms a ransom payment amid renewed extortion threats, heightening cybersecurity concerns for schools and educational technology.
PowerSchool’s payment to hackers for data deletion raises fraud concerns
PowerSchool’s payment to hackers for data deletion sparks fraud concerns, exposing cybersecurity loopholes and ethical risks.