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It is well-known that cybercriminals often target high-profile individuals and those with access privileges. They employ social engineering and whale phishing attacks to breach systems. However, household members of company executives are also becoming targets of cyberattacks. In some cases, criminals demand monetary payment through methods like sextortion attempts.

Interestingly, there is a new trend emerging where family members are targeted without any monetary demands. Instead, attackers seek network access, passwords, and requests to download files. Their goal is to target bigger entities and carry out more significant attacks. Therefore, modern company security should include household security.

The COVID-19 pandemic has eliminated the idea of perimeter-based security. With remote work becoming common, employees from various locations connect to company networks, often using numerous devices. While this poses security risks, it also allows businesses to stay competitive by enabling 24/7 availability. Consequently, security measures must be extended to include all endpoints, both human and machine, in order to protect a company’s network.

In addition to digital threats, threat actors may use non-digital tactics. For instance, a cyber professional reported a case involving the teenage son of an executive. The attackers threatened to reveal the teen’s secret about his sexual orientation unless he installed certain files on his home Wi-Fi network. Once the files were installed, the attackers could target his mother, who was the executive.

The FBI has also warned about the rise of “sextortion” attacks, which involve threatening to distribute private and sensitive material unless certain demands are met. Sextortion is considered a form of social engineering attack, often initiated through dating websites or apps. The fraudsters gain the victim’s trust and then encourage the exchange of sexually explicit material.

In conclusion, it is crucial to recognize the connection between home, family, and company security. The boundaries between personal and professional lives have become blurred, making it essential to protect all endpoints from cyber threats. Both digital and non-digital tactics can be employed by cybercriminals, necessitating comprehensive security measures to safeguard networks and individuals.

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