What Are Some Examples of Cyber Extortion?
In today's digital age, cyber extortion has become a growing concern for individuals and businesses alike. To shed light on this alarming issue, we've gathered three examples of cyber extortion from industry experts, ranging from ransomware attacks to doxxing and DDoS attacks. Read on to learn more about these threats and how to protect yourself and your organization.
- Ransomware: Encrypting Files for Ransom
- Doxxing: Unauthorized Release of Personal Info
- DDoS Attacks: Overwhelming Websites for Payment
Ransomware: Encrypting Files for Ransom
One example of cyber extortion is ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts the victim's files or restricts the victim's access to their system and demands a ransom in exchange for restoring access or decrypting the files.
Cybercriminals often use social engineering techniques like phishing emails or malicious websites to trick victims into downloading ransomware. The ransom can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars and is typically demanded in cryptocurrency. It's important to regularly back up your data and software in order to mitigate the damage of a ransomware attack and to avoid paying the ransom, as it does not guarantee the restoration of your system or files.
Jefferson McCall
Co-founder and HR Head, TechBullish
Doxxing: Unauthorized Release of Personal Info
One example of cyber extortion is doxxing, which involves the unauthorized public release of a person's private and personal information online, with the intent to harass, threaten, or extort them.
Doxxing can include a wide range of sensitive and private data such as personal, financial, or medical records, as well as online accounts and activities. The perpetrators of doxxing can demand money, access, or other favors in exchange for not publicly disclosing the information, which can cause significant harm to the victim's reputation, career, or personal life. Doxxing can also lead to identity theft or physical harm, making it a serious form of cyber extortion.
Adalyn McCall, Co-founder and HR Head, MrPlanter
DDoS Attacks: Overwhelming Websites for Payment
One of the most common examples of cyber extortion is Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In this type of attack, multiple compromised systems are used to flood a target website or service with traffic, rendering it unavailable to its users. The attacker then demands payment in exchange for ending the attack.
This type of attack is often used against businesses, with the attacker threatening to continue the attack until the demands are met. Organizations can mitigate the risk of DDoS attacks by regularly testing their defenses and having a robust incident response plan in place.
Tarun Saha
Co-founder and CEO, StallionZo
Submit Your Answer
Would you like to submit an alternate answer to the question, "What is one example of cyber exortion?"
Leave a Reply