Ransomware Group Leaks Info on Some D.C. Cops as Retribution for Demands Going Unmet

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Source: Newsweek

A Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate that stole data from the Washington, D.C., police department said it rejected an initial offer of a $100,000 payment and that if more money is not offered, it will release sensitive information that could put lives at risk, the Associated Press reported.

The Babuk group said on its website late Monday that it would release "all the data" if the D.C. police didn't "raise the price."

"The negotiations reached a dead end, the amount we were offered does not suit us," the group said.

A day after the initial threat, the gang leaked personal information of some police officers taken from background checks, including details of officers' past drug use, finances and of past sexual abuse.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ransomware-group-leaks-info-on-some-dc-cops-as-retribution-for-demands-going-unmet/ar-BB1gCIdu?li=BBnb7Kz

[progree]

1. "Experts said such a release could endanger the lives of the informants."

Late last month, the group said it had hacked into the network of the city's police department and threatened to leak the identities of confidential informants unless an unspecified ransom was paid.

Experts said such a release could endanger the lives of the informants.

The cybercriminal mafias mostly operate in foreign safe havens out of the reach of Western law enforcement.

The average ransom payments last year were $310,000, up 171% from 2019, according to Palo Alto Networks.

[RussBLib]

2. Why can't we stop this kind of ransomware bs?

We're America, dammit.

Doesn't carry as much weight as it used to.

[riversedge]

3. well, one way to

decrease its effect is not to hire cops with checkered backgrounds. Then again, we might all have them to some degree,?? maybe not all but some.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

4. That's not going to leave very many people. NT

[Lonestarblue]

5. Our lack of cybersecurity is a big risk.

Republicans need to get on board with Biden’s jobs and infrastructure plan, and that plan needs to include security upgrades. A couple of years ago, I read that some of our electric grids had been checked out by the Chinese and the Russians. They did no damage, but the fact that they could have should put everyone on notice that we need some changes and better security.