Google will update its search algorithm to discourage slander extortion schemesGoogle will downplay sites that exist mainly to attack people.By J. Fingas, 06.10.2021
Apple supplier is the latest target of a $50 million ransomware hackThe attackers are threatening to leak blueprints.By J. Fingas, 04.21.2021
Hacker who tried to extort Tesla pleads guiltyRussian national Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov could now face a lighter sentence.By S. Dent, 03.19.2021
Hacker sells access to hundreds of corporate executives' email accountsThe breaches could lead to extortion or fraud.By J. Fingas, 11.29.2020
Tesla worked with the FBI to block a million dollar ransomware attackA Russian citizen offered a Tesla employee $1 million to deliver the malware.By C. Fisher, 08.27.2020
Extortionists threaten sites with bad traffic to make Google ban adsThey're demanding $5,000 in bitcoin to make the problem go away.By S. Dent, 02.18.2020
YouTube sues user who extorted others through fake takedown requestsThe defendant allegedly used info from a takedown appeal for swatting.By C. Fisher, 08.20.2019
Hackers claim to have insurance data linked to 9/11 attacksIt's an extortion attempt masquerading as a public service.By J. Fingas, 01.01.2019
US charges Iranian hackers over $30 million ransomware spreeThey reportedly extorted money from hospitals and local governments.By J. Fingas, 11.28.2018
Four men linked to Mugshots.com have been charged with extortionThe site publishes booking photos and charges people to have them removed.By M. Locklear, 05.18.2018
Copyright troll lawyer is finally disbarred for fraudExtortion isn't legal, either, sir.By R. LeFebvre, 05.22.2017
'Orange is the New Black' hackers may have stolen 36 other shows'New Girl' and 'Portlandia' are among the shows reportedly affected.By J. Fingas, 04.30.2017
San Francisco transit hackers threaten to expose dataThey claim they want improved safety from Muni, but the ransom suggests otherwise.By J. Fingas, 11.28.2016
Experts crack nasty ransomware that locks your PC and your backupSometimes even CHKDSK isn't safe.By M. Smith, 04.12.2016