The Attackers Are Watching Closely: How Cybercriminals Use Your Own Data Against You
Ransomware attacks are devastating, but the period that follows can be an even more intense psychological battle. The attackers don’t just blindly lock files—they gather intelligence to maximize their leverage. The following chat log from the Darkside ransomware group reveals how attackers use detailed financial knowledge and third-party information to pressure victims before any negotiation starts.
Real Chat Log Breakdown: The Victim Didn’t Even Reach Out
Unlike many ransomware negotiations where victims initiate contact, this Darkside ransomware group reached out with a message that made it clear they were already watching—and waiting. The victim was essentially “invited into the room” by the attacker’s preemptive communication:
“Hello, [redacted]. We downloaded more than 500 GB of sensitive data from your network. If you don't pay, we will publish them.
We know you have $3 million cyber insurance from ([redacted]) . You must contact [redacted] to take money for payment.
Also, we know about your $45 million credit line. So, please don’t say you don’t have money or etc.
Shares of your ([redacted]) are traded on ([redacted]) . If you don't contact us, we will notify all the biggest mass media about your hack and data leak, leading to share price collapse. We always do what we promise.”
The attacker did not wait for the victim to reach out; they started the negotiation by demonstrating intimate knowledge of the victim’s financial resources, insurance policies, and public trading status.
Sophistication Beyond Encryption
This message reveals key facts about modern ransomware tactics:
- Attackers gather financial intelligence: They know exact cyber insurance coverage ($3 million), credit lines ($45 million), and even third-party insurers. This is no random guesswork.
- Targeting funding sources: By naming insurers and credit lines, attackers hint they expect victims to leverage these resources to pay ransom—turning insurance policies and credit facilities into ransom payment mechanisms.
- Use of publicly available and insider information: They mention ([redacted]) listing and potential stock price impact, showing awareness of both public perception and financial consequences.
- Psychological leverage: This knowledge aims to remove excuses and pressure victims into compliance quickly.
Full Chat Logs
Attacker:
Hello, [redacted]. We downloaded more than 500 GB of sensitive data from your network. If you don't pay, we will publish them.
We know that you have a $3 million cyber insurance policy from ([redacted]) ; you must contact ([redacted]) to take money for payment.
Also, we know about your $45 million credit line. So, please, don't say you haven't money or etc.
Shares of your company ([redacted]) are traded on ([redacted]) . If you don't contact us, we will notify all the biggest mass media about your company hack and data leak, which will lead to the fall of the price of your shares.
And you can be sure, we always do what was promised.
Attacker:
Since you ignore us, we prepare the data to publication.
We are confident that your company will be a good example for others and create us good advertising.
Attacker:
We will start publish your data after 6 days 14 hours.
We also prepare the list of the press that we will notify about your leakage, we will soon provide you with a list.
Attacker:
In the case of payment, we guarantee:
- Non-disclosure of information about your hacking.
- Providing you windows and linux decryptors.
- Help with the recovery your data.
Attacker:
List of the press who will be sent links to your data after the publication:
- https://www.([redacted])
- https://www.([redacted])
- https://www.([redacted])
- https://www. ([redacted])
- https:// ([redacted])
- https:// ([redacted])
We also found several traders who want to earn on the fall of your shares.
Are you ready for what will happen after the publication?
Attacker:
2 days left.
Attacker:
In 2 days your post will become public, we will notify traders in advance, in 3 days we will publish your data.
Attacker:
You have the last day to resolve this.
We are ready for a dialog, you should write.
Attacker:
Tomorrow we will begin to fulfill all our promises. Good luck.
Attacker:
Are you ready for a dialog?
Victim:
(No response recorded.)Escalating Pressure Over Two Weeks
The attacker’s messages over the next 12 days build a relentless, strategic campaign:
- Warnings about imminent data publication and press notifications.
- A growing countdown to leak stolen data publicly.
- Listing major media outlets to amplify reputational risk.
- Reminders about traders waiting to exploit share price drops.
- Offers of decryptors and recovery help if paid.
- Final ultimatums signaling immediate action.
All this communicates: the attacker is organized, patient, and calculated—not a blind criminal but a sophisticated adversary using data-driven pressure tactics.
The Psychological Toll on Victims
This drawn-out siege creates overwhelming stress:
- Feeling watched and exposed: The victim knows attackers have deep insight into their finances and are tracking their moves.
- No easy way out: The attacker’s knowledge of insurance and credit options signals they see payment as inevitable.
- Isolation and helplessness: With public exposure looming and financial damage threatening, victims are trapped in uncertainty.
- Constant pressure: Daily messages weaken hope and increase fear.
Final Thoughts
This Darkside ransomware negotiation chat log reveals how today’s attackers are not just encrypting files—they are conducting targeted intelligence gathering to increase leverage. They understand insurance policies, credit lines, investor relations, and media impact—and use all of it as a weapon.
Imagine receiving a message from criminals who already know your financial details and are counting on that knowledge to break your company’s will.
Ransomware extortion today is a sophisticated psychological siege as much as it is a technical attack.