#ExtortionTactics

Ransomware evolves from mere extortion to ‘psychological attacks’

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May 6, 2024 at 10:19PM Ransomware attacks have evolved into psychological warfare as criminals resort to increasingly personal and aggressive tactics, such as contacting executives’ family members and disrupting critical services. The shift from targeting companies to individuals poses new dilemmas, particularly for healthcare organizations handling sensitive data. Cryptocurrency has facilitated extortion, making it challenging … Read more

‘Swatting’ Becomes Latest Extortion Tactic in Ransomware Attacks

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January 8, 2024 at 01:29PM Threat actors are targeting medical institutions through “swatting,” a form of pressure tactic involving fake bomb threats to force hospitals to pay ransom demands. Intrusions at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Integris Health illustrate the escalation in cyber-extortion tactics. It remains to be seen whether these measures will yield ransom … Read more

After crippling cancer hospital with ransomware, crims threaten to swat patients

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January 5, 2024 at 04:59PM Extortionists are issuing swatting threats against hospitals if ransom demands are not met. After cyberattacks on medical centers, criminals threatened to swat the patients, aiming to pressure the hospitals to pay. This escalating trend of extreme tactics, including direct threats to patients, indicates a disturbing shift in cybercrime. The frequency … Read more