What Is Double-Extortion? 

 Double-extortion, in terms of ransomwareWhat is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of cyberattack in which the attacker infects a computer with malicious software that encrypts the victim’s data. The computer usually becomes locked, presenting… More, is a strategy in which threat actors encrypt a victim’s data and simultaneously exfiltrate sensitive files, threatening to release them publicly if the ransom is not paid.  

This technique, first seen in 2019, has since become a common weapon in every ransomware gang’s arsenal. By leveraging encryptionWhat is Encryption? Encryption converts readable data (plaintext) into a scrambled and unreadable format (ciphertext) using an algorithm and a key. The primary purpose of encryption is to ensure the… More and the dire threat of exposure, malefactors increase their chances of getting a victim that is desperate to protect their data, reputation, and compliance status, to pay the ransom. 

How Does Double-Extortion Work? 

 A double-extortion ransomware attack typically follows these steps:  

1. Initial Compromise – Attackers gain unauthorized access to an organization’s network via phishingWhat is Phishing? Phishing is a type of cyberattack in which attackers send fraudulent communications, or direct people to counterfeit websites in order to trick those individuals into revealing sensitive… More emails, unpatched vulnerabilities, social engineeringWhat is Social Engineering?  Social engineering is a manipulative tactic cybercriminals use to deceive individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Unlike technical attacks, which exploit… More, or stolen credentials. 

1. Lateral Movement and Data ExfiltrationWhat is Exfiltration?Exfiltration is the unauthorized transfer of data from a computer or network by an attacker or other entity. In a cybercrime scenario, exfiltration is typically the final stage… More – Before deploying ransomware, threat actors move through the network, performing reconnaissance to identify valuable data and exfiltrate it to external servers. 

1. Data Encryption – The ransomware payload is executed, encrypting critical files, and making them inaccessible to the business. 

1. Ransom Demand – Ransomware gangs demand payment for the decryption key and threaten to publish the stolen data if the victim doesn’t pay the requested amount. 

1. Public Exposure or Secondary Extortion – If the victim refuses to pay, these gangs may leak the data on the dark web, offer it for sale, or increase their ransom demand, knowing that exposure could lead to highly unpleasant legal and regulatory challenges. 

Why Is Double-Extortion an Almost Impossible Problem?  

Double-extortion ransomware is a nearly unsolvable challenge because it bypasses traditional backup-based recovery strategies. Before this type of ransomware existed, entities could mitigate the risk by keeping secure backups to restore encrypted files. However, since bad actors now steal and threaten to release data, the consequences extend beyond simple recovery:  

• No Guarantees on Decryption – There are no guarantees that paying the ransom will ensure that attackers will provide a working decryption key. 

• Ongoing Extortion Threats – Even after paying, cybercrooks may demand additional payments, as they still have the stolen data in their possession. 

• Regulatory and Compliance Risks – Leaked data could violate various privacy regulations, resulting in large fines and legal troubles. 

• Encouraging Future Attacks – Each successful ransom payment funds further attacks and emboldens ransomware operators, making the problem worse for all businesses.  

While cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies strongly advise against paying ransoms, some firms feel they have no choice, particularly if operational disruption or data exposure could be catastrophic.   

Governments and cybersecurity agencies, such as the FBI and CISA, recommend focusing on prevention and response rather than capitulating to extortion demands.  

What Should Companies Do?  

Businesses are advised to adopt a proactive stance against double-extortion ransomware. A multi-layered defense strategy includes:  

1. Strengthening Cyber Defenses

• Implement zero-trust security models to limit the movement of malefactors within networks. 

• Enforce Multi-Factor AuthenticationWhat is Authentication? Authentication is the process by which the identity of a user or system is verified. It ensures that the entity attempting to access a resource is who… More (MFAWhat is Multi-Factor Authentication? Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a robust security method that enhances digital identity verification by requiring users to provide multiple authentication mechanisms before gaining access to a… More) for all privileged accounts. 

• Continuously patch vulnerabilities and update security configurations to limit attack vectors. 

• Train all staff in security awareness to avoid social engineering tactics.  

2. Data ProtectionWhat is Data Protection? Data protection refers to the practice of safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. It involves implementing policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure… More and Segmentation

• Implement network segmentation to prevent lateral movement. 

• Restrict access to sensitive data through least-privilege access controls.  

3. Incident Response and Backup Strategies

• Maintain offline and immutable backups that cannot be accessed or altered by attackers. 

• Conduct regular cybersecurity drills and simulate ransomware scenarios to test response readiness. 

• Develop and enforce incident response plans to detect and contain ransomware threats early.  

4. Threat IntelligenceWhat is Threat Intelligence?Also known as cyber threat intelligence or simply threat intel, threat intelligence is the body of evidence-based knowledge that can be used to inform organizations of threat… More and Monitoring

• Use advanced threat detection and endpoint security solutions to identify suspicious activity. 

• Subscribe to cyber threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about emerging ransomware tactics. 

• Monitor dark web marketplaces for signs of compromised data before leaks occur. 

 An Evolving, Formidable Threat 

Double-extortion ransomware is an evolving and formidable cybersecurity threat. Entities must move beyond traditional ransomware defenses and implement comprehensive security measures to safeguard their data, operations, and reputations. 

By putting proactive prevention, rapid incident response, and strategic recovery planning first, companies can limit the risks associated with this growing cyber menace. 

For more essential cybersecurity definitions, check out our glossary here.