Nowadays, both companies and individuals are increasingly confronted with the threat of cyber extortion. Cyber extortion is the term used when hackers threaten to disclose hacked sensitive information or to sabotage computer systems if their requests are not met. In this article we will give you some hints on how to react appropriately in such a situation in order to minimize the damage and take effective protective measures, bearing in mind that the following article is intended to provide only general advice and that in case of emergency it is mandatory to consider the details of the specific case.
The first and most important thing is to take the threat seriously but at the same time stay calm. It is important not to panic or make hasty decisions that could lead to further complications.
Communication with the attackers should be kept to a minimum. Self-directed negotiations should be avoided as a matter of principle, because, in the worst-case scenario, you could encourage the criminals, what could possibly lead to an escalation of the situation. In all cases, it is advisable to document any communication with the attackers and keep any messages received or evidence for possible investigation and legal action.
To deal with the incident appropriately, the relevant authorities should be notified immediately. These may be the police, specialized law enforcement agencies, or the federal government's National Cyber Security Centre. Cooperation with authorities is critical to stopping the perpetrators and protecting other potential victims.
Involving cybersecurity experts is also essential. They can help manage the impact of cyber extortion and fix potential security problems. Furthermore, depending on the situation, experts can conduct negotiations with the cybercriminals. IT experts can also examine the IT infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and implement security measures to improve security and prevent future attacks.
It is also important to disconnect the affected systems from the network immediately to prevent further spread of the threat and contain the damage.
In addition, it is critical to take preventative measures to avoid cyber extortion. Regular security audits, a comprehensive security strategy, employee training on safe Internet practices, and regular updates to software and operating systems are important steps to make it harder for attackers to access your critical information.