GMO data leak escalates as hackers demand $1m ransom

· Cybersecurity · Japan

A high-stakes standoff between Japanese internet group GMO and a hacker group escalated with the first data leak, as the attackers vowed to release information on GMO account holders one by one until the company agrees to pay a $1 million ransom. GMO said it would offer up to $1 million for information to identify the hackers. Customers of five foreign exchange firms are reportedly affected, and the currency trading platform has been rocked by the incident.

Why it matters：The case shows how ransomware against financial intermediaries can expose customers across firms and tests whether public bounties deter extortion.

Key points

  • Hackers began leaking account-holder data after GMO ignored the ransom demand.
  • GMO is offering up to $1 million for information to identify the attackers.
  • Customers of five foreign exchange firms are reportedly affected.

Sources (original reporting)

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