Hackers threaten to leak 9/11 litigation documents
A cyber crime group calling itself ‘The Dark Overlord’ continues to threaten to release stolen files from US law firms and a London-based plastic surgery clinic if ransom demands are not met.
The FBI is investigating the theft of 18,000 insurance and legal documents relating to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre. The group reportedly obtained access to the documents after compromising a specialist law firm in the U.S. that provided advice to global insurance firm Hiscox. The insurance firm has confirmed that their own systems were unaffected by this incident.
In October 2017, the Met police confirmed that it was investigating the group for stealing data from a London cosmetic surgery clinic popular with celebrity clients. The group continue to threaten the release of this historic, personal data for money.
After distributing a small preview set of files, the group has publicly released a decryption key for more files, in a bid to bolster their extortion efforts.
The news gives insight into how hacking groups may be evolving in their extortion efforts; opting to drip out stolen material bit by bit, while generating public interest through the media and their own announcements, all to exert pressure on the ransom victim.
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.