The threat of cybercrime is growing in a world in which more and more people and companies rely on digital solutions and storage media. A particularly insidious form is cyber blackmail. Criminals specifically use the fear of data loss or damage to their image to persuade their victims to pay large amounts of money.
Background: Cyber blackmail – How it works and who is affected
Cyber extortion is a collective term for various types of digital attacks that use data as leverage. Criminals can gain control of systems and data in order to extort ransom money or otherwise manipulate victims. Both private individuals and companies are affected, although the perpetrators often make no difference as long as they can benefit from their victims.
The different forms of cyber extortion
- Ransomware: The digital hostage situation
One of the most well-known forms of cyber extortion is so-called ransomware. This is malware that enters the victim's system and encrypts files or the entire computer. In order to regain access to the data, the attackers demand a ransom, usually in the form of cryptocurrencies. The amounts can range from a few hundred to several million euros.
- DDoS attacks: When the website comes to a standstill
Another form of cyber extortion is DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. Attackers deliberately flood a website or online service with requests so that it becomes overloaded and can no longer be accessed. The criminals threaten to continue the attack if the victim does not pay a certain amount.
- Doxing and digital blackmail: The misuse of personal information
Doxing is the act of collecting and publishing personal information about someone online, often with the aim of harming or blackmailing the person concerned. Criminals can use such information to force their victims to pay money, for example by threatening to make compromising photos or private messages public.
Prevention and protective measures: How to protect yourself from cyber extortion
- Preventive security measures
To protect yourself from cyber extortion, preventive security measures are essential. This includes regular updates to operating systems and applications, installing antivirus programs and firewalls, and creating secure passwords. It is also important to pay attention to suspicious emails, links and attachments so as not to inadvertently catch malware.
- Backups: The key to data security
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from cyber extortion is to create regular backups. This allows data to be restored in the event of an attack without having to comply with the blackmailers' demands. It is important to save the backups on external storage media or in the cloud and update them regularly.
- Awareness and training of employees
It is particularly important in companies to sensitize employees to the issue of cyber extortion and to train them in how to handle IT security. In this way, potential attack vectors can be minimized and the risk of successful blackmail can be reduced.
- Collaboration with authorities and experts
In the event of cyber blackmail, it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities and IT security experts immediately. They can provide support and help to identify the perpetrators and possibly bring them to justice.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cyber extortion
Conclusion: Cyber blackmail – a growing threat in the digital age! Cyber extortion is a serious threat that affects both individuals and companies. In order to effectively protect yourself from this, preventive security measures, backups and raising awareness of the topic are essential. In the event of an attack, it is important to seek professional help and inform the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent further attacks.
Related to the topic:
Sextortion: Beware of blackmail via email.
Manipulation with a mouse click: Social engineering in the digital age
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

