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Cyber Extortion Examples

There has been a significant increase in cybercrime in recent years. Cyber extortion is one of the most common threats that businesses face. Don’t worry; Quantum Cyber Security & Investigations, Inc. can help you deal with extortion attempts and prevent future attacks.

What Is Cyber Extortion?

The term cyber extortion can be used to describe a variety of internet-based crimes. While crimes typically begin with some sort of attack, the cyber extortion criminal may also threaten to attack the target if demands are unmet. The main targets of cyber extortion crime- businesses, organizations, and private individuals.

These attacks occur when cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to systems or data. During an attack, cybercriminals may steal sensitive information or prevent an organization from accessing its own systems. A wide range of extortion tactics are used by these criminals, including deception, phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and other forms of coercion.

Examples of Cyber Extortion

Cybercriminals use a variety of tactics against targets. Attacks can take many forms, making them difficult to prevent. Some common forms of extortion include:

1. Ransomware

A ransomware attack starts with the infected computer, then spreads through the network to any connected devices. Ransomwares job is to encrypt as much data as possible, leaving you and your business helpless.

Cybercriminals will then hold the restricted data for ransom. The cybercriminal may threaten to withhold access to data or release data on the dark web if the ransom isn’t paid. If the ransom is paid, the victim will receive a key allowing them to decrypt data and access files.

2. Threats and Cyber Blackmail

In some cases, a cybercriminal may not restrict access to the data. Instead, the hacker will attempt to blackmail their target to persuade them to meet their demands. A cybercriminal may threaten to launch an attack against a target or reveal private or sensitive information if the target does not comply.

3. Distributed Denial of Service

DDoS is a type of attack in which a website or service is flooded with bot traffic. These attacks don’t involve any sort of security breach but can overwhelm servers, making it impossible for legitimate users to access the system. Once a DDoS attack starts, a cybercriminal may threaten to continue to attack the target unless they pay them or meet other demands.

4. Email-Based Attacks

Most email-based attacks involve some sort of manipulation or coercion. An attacker may pose as someone the target knows, such as a friend, family member, co-worker or boss. Cybercriminals may also send phishing emails designed to look like they’re coming from a legitimate business, such as a bank.

These attacks aim to trick the target into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords. If an attack is successful, the cybercriminal can use the information they’ve gathered to extort their victims.

Get Help from a Cyber Security Private Investigator

Whether you’re a small business, part of a large organization, or a private individual, you need to be prepared to deal with cybersecurity threats. As you use email, data storage systems, or other online communication systems, cybercriminals could potentially gain access to your private information and use that to extort you.

Quantum Cyber Security & Investigations, Inc. can help you prepare for these threats and protect yourself against potential attacks. If a cybercriminal has attacked you, we can help you manage this threat.

Our team of investigators and digital forensics specialists can also collect and preserve evidence after an attack, helping you to take legal action. If you meet a cyber extortionist’s demands, the criminal will likely target you again in the future. With our help, you’ll be able to fight back against attackers and protect your systems and data in the future.

Whether you’re concerned about cyber extortion or are currently being targeted by cybercriminals, we can help. Contact us online or call (941) 256-8845 if you have questions or would like to learn more.