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


  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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


  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

In general, it is recommended not to comply with extortionists' demands, as this supports their criminal activities and provides no guarantee that the data will actually be decrypted or the attacks will stop. Instead, those affected should seek professional help and report it to the police.

To protect your data, you should perform regular security updates, use antivirus programs and firewalls, use strong passwords, and watch out for suspicious emails and links. In addition, creating regular backups is essential in order to be able to restore your data in the event of an attack.

Signs of cyber blackmail can include suddenly encrypted files, systems or online services that are no longer accessible, and ransom notes containing ransom demands. In such cases, it is important to seek professional help immediately and inform the authorities.

To protect yourself against doxxing, be careful about what personal information you share online and review your privacy settings on social media. Make sure your information is not easily accessible and be careful who you trust with confidential information.

Cyber ​​extortion is a serious crime that is punishable in many countries. The exact legal consequences depend on the relevant laws and the extent of the extortion. In many cases, perpetrators can face severe penalties such as fines, compensation claims or even prison sentences.

To protect your company from cyber extortion, you should develop and implement a comprehensive IT security strategy. This includes preventive measures such as regular updates, antivirus programs and firewalls as well as training and raising awareness among employees. In addition, it is important to carry out regular backups of company data and create contingency plans in the event of cyber extortion.

The long-term effects of cyber blackmail can be varied. In addition to the possible financial loss due to ransom payments or damage caused, trust in the IT security and the image of the company or person affected can also suffer. In addition, successful cyber blackmail can encourage further attacks as the perpetrators realize that their methods work.

If you have fallen victim to cyber extortion, you should seek professional help immediately and inform the relevant authorities. It is also advisable to communicate the incident internally or externally and, if necessary, inform customers, partners or employees about the situation. Finally, learn from the experience and review and improve your IT security measures to prevent future attacks.

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


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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 )