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Cyber security professionals are increasingly facing real and dangerous threats in response to their work in combating hacking groups. Robert M. Lee, CEO of cyber security company Dragos, experienced this firsthand when an organized criminal hacking group broke into the company’s employee network and threatened to release proprietary data unless a ransom was paid. When Lee refused to negotiate, the hackers escalated the situation by finding personal information about Lee’s family, including his son’s passport, school, and telephone number, and threatening their safety.

These types of threats are not uncommon. Criminal groups have resorted to dangerous tactics such as “swatting,” where they call the local authorities pretending to be a victim of an armed attack, resulting in a police SWAT team being sent to the target’s home. Other examples include mailing drugs to the victims’ homes or framing cyber security professionals by having hacking victims send money to their bank accounts.

The transnational nature of the cyber security industry allows criminals based in different countries to target professionals in Western Europe and the US. While governments may be more inclined to conduct espionage or disinformation campaigns, these threats mainly stem from young individuals with no rules of engagement, often in their teens or twenties, who have an unlimited amount of free time to wreak havoc.

The situation is particularly concerning for professionals outside the US. Researchers in Eastern Europe have described instances of their homes being searched by well-trained and discreet individuals, followed on trips, and receiving threatening phone calls. Personal accounts have been hacked, and private information has been released on the dark web.

Cybersecurity analysts try to avoid provoking hackers and focus their reports on the technical aspects of breaches. Some analysts even take on the role of being the public face of their organizations to protect junior employees. However, experts warn that the involvement of Western companies in the cyber security of countries like Ukraine, which faces constant and sophisticated cyber attacks, could lead to further escalation and potential harm to individuals involved in the field.

The evolving and dangerous landscape of cyber security threats raises concerns about the safety and well-being of professionals in the field. It is an issue that requires attention and proactive measures to ensure the security of those combating cyber crimes.

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