ShinyHunters Data Leak Turns Into New Sextortion Scam as Hackers Demand $2,000 Bitcoin From Victims

ShinyHunters Data Leak Turns Into New Sextortion Scam as Hackers Demand $2,000 Bitcoin from Victims describes a new sextortion campaign targeting thousands of people whose email addresses appeared in prior ShinyHunters data leaks. Criminals are sending threatening emails claiming they took control of victims’ devices, using stolen information from older breaches to make the messages appear legitimate. The demands call for $2,000 in Bitcoin within 48 hours, accompanied by claims that the attackers have private photos, browsing history, and conversations. The article says there is no evidence the attackers behind the emails are actually part of ShinyHunters or that they accessed victims’ devices. It notes that leaked data reportedly includes information from breaches involving companies such as Amtrak, Hallmark, Substack, Betterment, CarGurus, ADT, Panera Bread, and McGraw Hill. Security researchers say the claims are designed to create fear and pressure, and ShinyHunters denied involvement.