What is cyber extortion?
Cyber extortion is a cybercrime where attackers gain access to your private data or devices and demand payment to stop their further actions. They may threaten to expose, damage, or destroy your data if you don't pay. These attacks can be distressing and may severely impact your finances and reputation.What is cyber extortion protection?
Cyber extortion protection is a type of coverage that supports you in the event of a cyber extortion attack. With this coverage, you don’t have to face cybercriminal threats alone — you can get financial support and expert guidance to help you handle the attack.
Our cyber extortion protection offers up to $100,000 to cover eligible costs, such as professional assistance and payments made in response to the threat.
How cyber extortion protection works
Our cyber extortion protection is part of a comprehensive NordProtect identity theft protection service available with the top-tier NordVPN plan (Prime). Your cyber extortion cover is provided by HSB, one of the largest cyber insurance writers in the U.S.
If you become a victim of a cyber extortion attack during your subscription term, you can access help by making a claim. If your claim is eligible, you will receive help and guidance from HSB.
Cyber extortion protection benefits
With cyber extortion protection, you can get help when you need it the most. Don't face
the threats alone
Receiving threats from cybercriminals can be scary and distressing. Cyber extortion protection will provide
the support you need in these crucial moments, so you won’t face hackers alone.
Know the steps to take
When attackers threaten to expose your most private info, what should you do? Cyber extortion protection covers the cost of expert help so you can get guidance on the right action to take.Get financial support
Cyber extortion can take a heavy toll on your finances. Our cyber extortion protection offers up to $100,000 to cover eligible costs, including payments made in response to the threats.How to get NordProtect
To start using NordProtect with cyber extortion protection, you’ll need to get a NordVPN bundle subscription.Pick a plan
Set up NordProtect
Stay informed and vigilant
Get the help you need
FAQ
How does cyber extortion work?
Cyber extortion can work in several ways depending on the attack type. Typically, it involves cybercriminals accessing your personal data or devices and demanding money to stop the attack. They use various tactics, like phishing emails and malicious sites, to lure you into providing details that help them break into your device and steal your information.
Cyber extortionists typically threaten severe consequences if you don’t meet their demands, such as leaking or destroying your private information. Dealing with cyber extortion attacks can be very distressing, especially if cybercriminals manage to seize private information you wouldn’t want anyone to see.
What are the types of cyber extortion?
Cyber extortion is a broad term defining any cyberattack where cybercriminals demand payment through malicious actions. The most common types of cyber extortion attacks are ransomware, cyber blackmail, and doxing.
- A ransomware attack is when cybercriminals infect the victim’s device with malware that makes it inaccessible until the victim pays up.
- Cyber blackmail is when hackers breach a private network, steal valuable data, and hold it hostage until a ransom is paid.
- A doxing cyber extortion attack is when cybercriminals steal the victim’s personal information and threaten to expose it unless their demands are met.
What should you do if you become a victim of cyber extortion?
If you’ve become a victim of cyber extortion and have NordProtect, file a claim on the NordProtect web app. Head to the “ID protection benefits” tab, click “File a claim,” and provide details about the incident. If your claim is eligible, you will receive help and guidance directly from HSB, the company providing the cyber extortion protection coverage.
What consequences can cyber extortion have?
Cyber extortion attacks may have a range of consequences, some of which may be serious and long lasting. For example, attackers may expose your personal information, which may lead to further cyberattacks, or leak private pictures that cause reputational damage and emotional distress. If you decide to pay the ransom, you may be out of pocket without any guarantee that the attack will end.