Defend I.T.: Security by Example

Chapter 16. Cyber Extortion

One of the keys to succeeding at extortion is to keep your true identity hidden. The Internet, which allows people to hide behind computers and operate at great distances through electronic networks, is therefore an ideal medium for extortion.

Extortion can be the popular “Give me money or else!” but also comes in more subtle forms. This case study discusses one such situation and describes the process used to track and capture the offending party.

Introduction

In this case study we will describe the events and processes related to the computer forensic investigation of a cyber crime incident that involved extortion and the use of a Trojan horse. Along the way, in addition to providing specific details of the case, we ...