The FBI is warning of new ransomware and sextortion threats targeting medical facilities and young men in Nevada.
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The FBI is warning of a new variant of cybersecurity threats that could target all of us – and our most sensitive information.
Ransomware attacks are nothing new, but the FBI says these criminal groups are specifically targeting medical facilities, doctors, offices, and hospitals. What’s more, after extorting medical records and sensitive patient information from the medical team, they’re trying to influence the patients themselves. They’re reaching out to people. According to the FBI, while cybersecurity is a priority when choosing a doctor, it’s not a bad idea to ask how your personal information will be protected.
FBI Special Agent in Charge in Nevada Spencer Evans encourages the public to be vigilant and if anything suspicious is found, to contact the medical facility and the FBI immediately to assist in response efforts. We also spoke with the FBI about agents investigating extortionate sexual harassment. They tell us that a new group of people are now being targeted. Criminals are now targeting young men.
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Like ransomware, sextortion has been around for more than a decade. It involves a cybercriminal impersonating someone else, obtaining highly personal photos, and then threatening to release if they don’t give him more. The new development is that these hackers are now targeting young men. And instead of asking for more pictures, they’re asking for bank account information, identity theft , and other financial information. If they don’t comply, the criminals threaten to release the photos. In some cases, according to the FBI, these young men feel so trapped that some have resorted to suicide.
The FBI says it is asking parents, teachers and other officials to work together so victims feel like they have someone to talk to.
Source of information: mynews4.com
