Threat Management, Vulnerability Management

Hackers use stolen inside info to blackmail progressive political groups

Bloomberg is reporting that Russian hackers have infiltrated the email systems of several politically progressive groups in the United States threatening to release sensitive information unless payment is made.

The cyberattackers are reportedly asking for between $30,000 and $150,000 to keep the information they have culled quiet, Bloomberg reported, citing two unnamed sources. Two of the organizations called out by name by Bloomberg are The Center for American Progress and Arabella Advisors with the latter group confirming the attack did take place.

In each case the hackers supply a sample of the stolen data along with their ransom demand. Allegedly several affected groups have bowed to the demand and paid, Bloomberg stated.

No single group has taken credit for the attacks, but the story indicated the hacks were similar to those conducted previously by Cozy Bear.

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