Security News > 2021 > November > Ransomware gangs leaking sensitive financial information to extort organizations
Attackers will threaten to release confidential data that could affect a company's stock price to pressure them to pay the ransom, says the FBI. Ransomware operators will stoop to any tactic necessary to try to force their victims to acquiesce to the ransom demands.
In a new report published Monday, the FBI warns of attacks in which ransomware groups will leak sensitive information that could impact a company's stock price if the ransom goes unpaid.
Before launching an actual attack, ransomware operators will research the intended victim to find public and nonpublic information that they can leverage.
A couple of months later, a ransomware attacker negotiating with a victim sent them the following warning: "We have also noticed that you have stocks. If you will not engage us for negotiation we will leak your data to the nasdaq and we will see what's gonna happen with your stocks."
At least three public companies in the U.S. involved in mergers and acquisitions were hit by ransomware attacks while conducting talks to hammer out the details.
SEE: Ransomware attack: Why a small business paid the $150,000 ransom.